The RuneScape franchise turns 25 this year. Old School RuneScape (OSRS), which launched in 2013 using the 2007-era source code from RuneScape, is at the height of its popularity right now, peaking at 240k concurrent players in 2025. Last year, OSRS got its first-ever new skill in the form of sailing, which brought waves of players (sorry not sorry for the pun) back to the game. Somehow, the team at Jagex implemented water-based movement into a game with a 25-year old foundation, where characters walk using a grid-based system. And it has been a roaring success with players.
Later this year, sailing will expand even further, with multiple quests, a Barracuda Trial, and activities around the Red Reef. At a recent press event to mark the big anniversary, I spoke to OSRS design director Kieren Charles about the ins and outs of sailing and how new skills and mechanics are introduced. For Charles, adding a new mechanic to a 25-year-old game was a formidable challenge, but also an enticing opportunity
Jagex is doing so many great things right now!