RuneScape is a game that needs no introduction – ever since it redefined the Massively Multiplayer Online RPG genre upon its release in 2001, Jagex’s fantasy opus has captivated an entire generation with its immersive yet accessible adventure action. Over the past few days, the developers have been teasing a major announcement for the now sixteen year old title, and today it has finally been revealed that an optimised mobile client for the current RuneScape, as well as the Old School retro alternative, will both be available for iOS and Android devices in 2018 and Winter 2017 respectively. Best of all, the mobile iterations of RuneScape will support cross-platform play, so you’ll be able to take your battle-worn protagonist from the PC games with you seamlessly on the go.

The significance of RuneScape’s debut on mobile devices is huge, and while such a major name making the transition to the App Store is surprising, it’s also something that makes a lot of sense. RuneScape’s free-to-play monetisation and its frequent updates in many ways served as a model for the development of the App Store’s ecosystem, and it’ll fit in quite nicely even amongst its far younger peers on iOS. However, having a major desktop MMO incorporate cross-platform play for mobile devices is unprecedented, and will hopefully underline the benefits of such support to other developers behind games in the genre, as well as introducing a new generation of gamers to a beloved classic. While there may be question marks over how well the mobile clients are adapted to support the unique qualities of the modern-day smartphone, this is certainly a promising start to what could be a defining release for the App Store as a serious gaming platform. If you’re interested in signing up for the beta testing phases for both games, be sure to visit Jagex’s RuneScape Mobile and Old School RuneScape website pages to register your interest today.