I was a designer for RuneScape – its comeback reveals how old games can be rejuvenated
- Written by Matthew Holland, Senior lecturer in game design and development, Anglia Ruskin University

RuneScape experienced a surge of popularity over the 2025 holiday season. While fan nostalgia for a game that is now 25 years old plays a role, the revival more clearly reflects recent changes to RuneScape’s controversial monetisation – changes that appear to be drawing players back.
I worked at RuneScape from 2008 until 2014. First as...







