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Runescape Developer Shuts Down HD Fan Mod Just before the Release, Sparking In-game Protest
Jagex was approached by the mod creator, who claims to have spent 2,000 hours over the last two years creating Runelite HD.
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Runescape developer Jagex has put an end to Runelite HD, a fan-made HD mod of the popular open-source client for Old School Runescape, just as the project was preparing to launch last Monday. The 11th-hour move has some Runescape fans decrying Jagex's decision, and stating that they'll move to other MMOs.
Runelite HD developer "117" posted on Reddit Tuesday, sharing the message he had received from Jagex and was later confirmed by Jagex in its blog post. Runelite HD operates as a plugin that will provide an extensive visual overhaul to the base Runescape, as can be seen on 117's Twitter. Moderator 117 said they've put in around 2,000 hours over the last two years working on Runelite HD.
"Yesterday we contacted the developers of known HD projects and we requested that they stop the development of their projects since this is a matter we are directly investigating," Jagex stated.
Runelite HD Screenshots
Jagex sent a letter to 117 stating that their work on an HD version of Old School Runescape was "still quite early in the exploration stages" but "very much in development."
"Naturally this means that any fan-led project which seeks to change the appearance of Old School RuneScape appears is not in line with our own plans," Jagex wrote to 117. "We believe it's essential that Old School appears consistent and therefore we'd like to ensure that our official changes are the only ones. Jagex and the Old School team are excited to announce that they will be working on this project with a seriousness. However we will ask to end your personal project.
117 stated that Jagex offered them a compromise in the form of Jagex making their project available and Jagex offering Jagex "collaborative control" over Runelite HD's visual style.
"They refused to participate," 117 said. "I am extremely sad with Jagex and am sorry that, after this long journey, this project is not feasible for me to share with you.
117's mod doesn't seem to be in conflict with Jagex's guidelines for third-party players however, the Runescape developer says it is updating those guidelines next week to include references to projects that affect the look and feel of the game.
Runescape Wiki
Original Runelite developer Adam1210 has shared his thoughts on Reddit and stated that the ability to allow Runelite HD to continue would provide a net benefit for future updates developed by Jagex.
Adam1210 stated that he also strongly opposed the inclusion of it in the "third-party guidelines". "Most guidelines are trying to establish where the line is between cheating and the quality of life - and I believe that most people are of the opinion that the current guidelines are a good representation. It also helps to maintain the integrity of the game. There is no unfair advantage in having better graphics. It only affects you if enable it. So - this is really simply a misapplication of guidelines. Overall, this is an issue for everyone involved. I wish Jagex would reconsider."
A few players of the Runelite HD project have taken to the town square in Falador the capital city in one of Runescape's main kingdoms in order to stage a sit-in protest similar to the protest World of Warcraft players held in July. The players can be seen in the linked video posting text dialogue criticizing Jagex for its decision and hashtags such as #Free117. Another video shows more players "marching" in front of Falador Square.
It is not known how long Jagex was aware of 117's Runelite HD Project.
PC Gamer has reached out to Jagex PR for comment regarding the issue but have not received a reply by publishing time.
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