The long-running PC franchise RuneScape is entering a new era as Jagex prepares to release RuneScape: Dragonwilds on consoles for the first time in the game’s 25-year history.
The latest chapter in the franchise will launch on September 15 and arrive on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, alongside its existing PC release through Steam Early Access.
Jagex is using Unreal Engine 5 to develop the title, making the transition to new platforms easier. However, the studio says the main challenge is not the technical process of moving the game to consoles, but creating a smooth user experience for controller players.
Rick Turek, creative director of RuneScape: Dragonwilds, told Variety that the team focused heavily on improving the game’s interface and making the controls feel natural on consoles.
Turek said Dragonwilds has a more complex interface compared with many survival games, which works well on PC but requires careful adjustment for controllers. He highlighted games like Microsoft’s Minecraft as examples of simpler controller-based experiences.
The game has already gained strong interest among players. According to Jagex, RuneScape: Dragonwilds sold more than one million Early Access copies by June.
The company is using the new title as part of its plan to expand RuneScape into a wider ecosystem of long-term games and connected experiences. Jagex said the strategy includes a renewed focus on fair play and reducing monetisation mechanics.
The studio also aims to attract both longtime RuneScape fans and new players through features such as improved controller support and crossplay.
Jagex product director Robert Galassi-Fox said many people have experienced RuneScape at some point but no longer play the massively multiplayer online game. He said early research showed that many potential players preferred using game controllers, making a strong controller experience a key priority.
Galassi-Fox said releasing the game on PC through Early Access made sense, but he is especially excited about reaching a new audience. He added that Jagex intends to support crossplay, allowing players across platforms to play together.
With its first console release approaching, RuneScape: Dragonwilds aims to bring the franchise’s long-running world to a wider gaming audience while maintaining the experience that built its dedicated PC community.
