Gaming News
Jagex Announces RuneScape 4 at RuneFest 2026
Developing
Cover: GenZHype original graphic. All clips and posts below are embedded from their original sources.
By the numbers: this timeline documents 3 events, drawn from 4 sources.
“The team embraced that challenge with a lot of creative ambition and enthusiasm,”
via polygon.com
Our take
The pivot from a Dragonwilds expansion to a standalone Unreal Engine MMO signals a significant strategic shift for Jagex, aiming to capture the next-generation MMO market. This move distinguishes RuneScape 4 from the retro-focused Old School RuneScape and the current RuneScape 3, potentially fragmenting the player base across four distinct pillars.
Background
Jagex is the developer behind the long-running RuneScape franchise, which includes RuneScape 3, Old School RuneScape, and the recently released survival game RuneScape: Dragonwilds. The franchise has been active since 2001, with RuneScape 2 introducing full 3D rendering in 2004 and RuneScape 3 overhauling art and systems in 2013.
RuneFest is Jagex's annual convention celebrating the RuneScape universe. The 2026 edition took place in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Prior to the event, Jagex had not officially confirmed the future of its existing MMOs, though executive producer Jesse America described the new project as the studio's fourth pillar, implying continued support for the other three titles.
The timeline
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Jagex announced RuneScape 4 at RuneFest
Jagex reportedly announced a new MMO follow-up to RuneScape with the working title 'RuneScape 4' during its yearly RuneFest convention. The announcement was accompanied by a teaser trailer showcasing the game's art style, which features a medieval town in a verdant valley under floating islands and dragons.[1]
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Jesse America explained origin as Dragonwilds expansion
In a pre-RuneFest virtual briefing, RuneScape: Dragonwilds executive producer Jesse America reportedly explained that the new game was originally supposed to be an expansion for Dragonwilds called Shadows of Ashenfall. He stated that players wanted more social mechanics, leading the team to realize the project's scope pointed toward a completely different MMO.[3]
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Jagex confirmed Unreal Engine development
Jagex reportedly confirmed that the fourth RuneScape game is being developed using Unreal Engine. The studio stated that the entire team will work on the project together, aiming to use the latest technology and design for a next-gen experience.[3]
Our read of the evidence
Mostly unverified. No primary source has directly confirmed the announcement; all timeline points rely solely on secondary reports. The information comes from two different outlets, with no corroboration from Jagex itself. Consequently, the claims remain unverified pending further official confirmation.
Our rating counts evidence, not opinions about anyone: events confirmed by a primary source (the person's own post, their official site, a court or government record) weigh most, then how many independent outlets report the story.
What happens next
January 2027: Hoard of Dragons content arc is scheduled for release in January 2027.
Frequently asked
Is RuneScape 4 officially released?
No, RuneScape 4 is in very early development.
What is the official title of the new RuneScape game?
Jagex has not announced an official title. The game is currently referred to by the working title 'RuneScape 4' or RS4, according to pcgamer.com.
Why did Jagex turn a Dragonwilds expansion into a full MMO?
According to Jesse America, playtesters kept asking for more social mechanics and a traditional MMO take on the survival game's setting. The team realized the prototypes pointed to a scope that deserved its own game.
Will RuneScape 3 and Old School RuneScape continue?
Jagex has not explicitly confirmed the future of its other games, but Jesse America described the new game as the studio's fourth pillar, which implies the other three will continue to be supported.
More related drama (4)
Sources (4)
- pcgamer.com, RuneScape 4 announced at RuneFest, full MMO sequel started as expansion to survival game Dragonwilds, Oct 3, 2026.
- Youtube (original post).
- polygon.com, New RuneScape Game Officially Revealed by Jagex, Oct 3, 2026.
- ign.com, Everything Announced at RuneFest 2026: RuneScape 4, RuneScape Reignited, and More, Oct 3, 2026.
Cite this timeline
This timeline compiles 3 dated events from 4 sources. If it helped your reporting, cite it:
GenZHype. “Jagex Announces RuneScape 4 at RuneFest 2026.”
GenZHype, 5 October 2026,
https://genzhype.com/gaming/jagex-announces-runescape-4-at-runefest-2026/.