RuneScape 3 Announces Major Overhauls Due to Microtransaction Controversy
RuneScape 3 will undergo sweeping changes to its microtransaction system, Jagex has announced. However, exactly what this overhaul will entail is something not even the RuneScape 3 developer knows—though a plan is in place to figure that out.
Recent months have been anything but business as usual for Jagex and its long-running fantasy MMORPG. In March 2025, the company changed its CEO, with Jon Bellamy replacing Phil Mansell, who had led the group since 2017. Bellamy’s early tenure took a contentious turn after he canceled RuneScape 3's Pride event, prompting significant backlash from players.
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PostsThe CEO now appears determined to turn over a new leaf by tackling one of the most controversial aspects of RuneScape 3 that most players agree needs to be improved: microtransactions. In a late June 2025 video posted to the game's official YouTube channel, Bellamy described the current state of RuneScape 3 monetization as a "tainted" era, vowing to end it. "When our work is done, we want every single player to feel the same ownership that we fostered so well in our approach to Old School [RuneScape]," the executive said.
Monetization Experiments Coming to RuneScape 3 This Summer
The full extent of this overhaul has yet to be determined. However, the RuneScape developer has a plan to do just that: over the course of summer 2025, Jagex will run a series of "experiments" aimed at testing alternative monetization models. The first will begin in July, when the studio plans to temporarily disable the controversial Treasure Hunter loot box system. In August, Jagex will host a Double XP event that excludes all premium items—a trial run for removing them completely. A third test, scheduled for September, will make select cosmetics previously exclusive to Treasure Hunter available through the in-game store.
CloseUpcoming RuneScape 3 Microtransaction Experiments
July 2025: temporarily disabling the Treasure Hunter system August 2025: a double XP event that doesn't allow premium currency items September 2025: select Treasure Hunter exclusives launching via the in-game storeThe upcoming experiments won't last longer than "a couple of weeks," lead game designer Mod Mohawk announced during the same June 26 YouTube video. Officially, Jagex describes the tests as an opportunity for the RuneScape 3 community to provide actionable feedback based on real game changes. Unofficially, they are also likely intended to assess the impact of more consumer-friendly microtransactions on RuneScape 3's revenue.
When our work is done, we want every single player to feel the same ownership that we fostered so well in our approach to Old School [RuneScape].
While not all of the upcoming experiments may result in long-term changes, some changes are definitely coming. "Our MTX approach is harming RuneScape, and it's time that we took action," Bellamy proclaimed at the start of his latest video address. "If we want to go from where we are today, where, bluntly, our population isn't really growing, to decades of a booming community, then it's time we take some big swings, even when they aren't easy or simple," the executive asserted. Jagex has not provided a roadmap for its monetization overhaul beyond the summer 2025 experiments.
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In response to the ongoing microtransaction controversy, RuneScape 3's announcement of major overhauls marks a significant step towards restoring player trust and maintaining its long-standing gold standard in MMORPG ethics.
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RuneScape 3's announcement of significant gameplay overhauls in response to the microtransaction controversy demonstrates a commitment towards player satisfaction and fairness, suggesting positive steps taken toward restoring trust amidst recent limitations.
In response to the microtransaction controversy, RuneScape 3's sweeping overhauls demonstrate a commitment towards transparency and fair play for its community – an important step forward in maintaining player trust.
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RuneScape 3's announcement of major gameplay overhauls in response to the microtransaction controversy is a step towards regaining player trust and restoring balance within its community, demonstrating that Jagex listens when it comes to preserving their game’ll integrity.
Certainly an unexpected turn in the gaming world, RuneScape 3's bold decision to overhaul due to microtransaction controversy showcases a commitment towards maintaining player trust and fairness - truly putting players first amidst industry challenges.
