RuneScape Makes Rare Move To Remove Microtransactions After Fan Vote

GAMING NEWS

Jagex commits to removing controversial loot box system on January 19, 2026, marking what CEO calls a "new era" for the 24-year-old MMORPG.

RuneScape's shift away from aggressive monetization mirrors the community-driven governance model that made Old School RuneScape a breakout success.

Jagex announced the permanent removal of RuneScape's Treasure Hunter microtransaction system following a decisive community referendum where over 120,000 players voted to eliminate the controversial feature. CEO Jon Bellamy confirmed the January 19, 2026 shutdown date in a video address, acknowledging the community mandate to fundamentally restructure the MMORPG's monetization approach after years of player criticism.

Treasure Hunter operates as a daily loot box mechanic granting keys that unlock rewards including experience points, gold, and gameplay advantages. While players receive complimentary keys each day, the system allows unlimited real-money purchases—a model that escalated tensions between Jagex's revenue goals and player concerns about pay-to-win mechanics eroding the game's competitive integrity.

The removal extends beyond Treasure Hunter itself. Bellamy confirmed Jagex will simultaneously slash "gameplay-impacting MTX across the board," targeting direct XP purchase options and eliminating items like Proteans and Training Dummies that accelerate character progression through microtransactions rather than gameplay. An "integrity roadmap" scheduled for 2026 will address deeper systemic issues spanning user interface overhauls and visual identity cohesion.

"January 19 is the start of a new era for RuneScape, powered by a shared desire to see this game grow for decades to come." — Jon Bellamy, Jagex CEO

The decision follows months of public acknowledgment that monetization strategies were damaging the game's long-term health. In June, Bellamy admitted Jagex's microtransaction approach was "harming RuneScape," initiating experimental adjustments to in-game purchases. By September, he told industry press that Jagex accepted potential revenue losses in exchange for sustainable growth, estimating short-term financial pain as necessary for the game's 25-year trajectory.

Jagex's pivot toward community governance mirrors the proven success of Old School RuneScape, the 2007-era version launched in 2013 that requires 70% player approval for new features. That democratic framework propelled OSRS past RuneScape 3 in popularity, culminating in a February 2025 concurrent player record exceeding 241,000 users—more than the modern version attracts. OSRS debuts its first community-approved skill expansion, Sailing, on November 19.

The contrast between the two games highlights divergent philosophies that emerged after RuneScape's 2013 graphical overhaul and monetization expansion. While RuneScape 3 pursued aggressive microtransaction revenue streams including Treasure Hunter, OSRS maintained minimal monetization paired with player veto power over development decisions. The population disparity ultimately forced Jagex to reassess which approach sustains long-term engagement for a franchise entering its third decade.

By Cameron Koch

3 min read · Nov 16, 2025