RuneScape's Dual Revolution: Unreal Engine and a Creator-Led Series

As RuneScape approaches its 25th anniversary, Jagex has laid out a vision ambitious enough to redefine the franchise for a new generation. The recent RuneFest 2026 event in Birmingham delivered a bombshell: not only is a fourth RuneScape massively multiplayer online game (MMO) in development using Unreal Engine, but an animated series adaptation is also officially in the works, signaling a massive expansion beyond its traditional gaming ecosystem.

This dual announcement marks a significant pivot for Jagex. While RuneScape has long been a staple of the MMORPG genre, its future, as unveiled on October 3, 2026, involves reaching far beyond its established player base. The upcoming fourth MMO, currently under the working title RS4, and the animated show are clearly designed to introduce the world of Gielinor to a fresh audience while retaining the essence that has kept millions immersed for decades. It is a strategic move that reflects the broader trend of gaming IP evolving into expansive entertainment franchises.

The Dawn of a New Digital Frontier with Unreal Engine

The revelation of a fourth RuneScape MMO is arguably the most impactful for long-time players. Developed in Unreal Engine, this new title promises a visual and technical leap forward for the franchise, representing Jagex’s first RuneScape project built with the engine. Executive producer Jesse America explained in a pre-RuneFest briefing that what started as an expansion for Dragonwilds eventually grew in scope, leading the team to realize it deserved its own standalone MMO with features like persistent servers and player-to-player trading. The new game is in very early development, so details on its release window, platforms, and specific gameplay remain scarce, but a teaser trailer hinted at a focus on dragons, which players will reportedly be able to fight and ride. This commitment to Unreal Engine suggests Jagex is leveraging modern technology to deliver a truly next-generation experience, a move many in the community have long anticipated. The challenge, of course, will be to innovate without alienating the dedicated communities of RuneScape 3 and Old School RuneScape, which Jagex has confirmed will continue to be supported as RS4 becomes the fourth pillar of the franchise.

Gielinor Comes to Life: The Animated Series Bet

Perhaps the boldest move for Jagex’s expansion strategy is the animated RuneScape series. This project is being developed in partnership with Lyrical Animation and Charlie “MoistCr1TiKaL” White, one of the most popular gaming content creators globally. As a self-professed