RuneScape offers both free and subscription content and is designed to be accessible from any location with an Internet connection and to run in an ordinary web browser without straining system resources.
RuneScape takes place in the fantasy-themed realm of Gielinor, which is divided into several different kingdoms, regions, and areas. Players can travel throughout the gaming world on foot, by using magical teleportation spells or devices, or mechanical means of transportation. Each region offers different types of monsters, materials, and quests to challenge players.
Players are shown on the screen as customizable avatars. They set their own goals and objectives, deciding which of the available activities to pursue. There is no linear path that must be followed. Players can engage in combat with other players or with monsters, complete quests, or increase their experience in any of the available skills. Players interact with each other through trading, chatting, or playing combative or cooperative mini-games.
Andrew Gower created DeviousMUD, which was the forerunner to RuneScape, in 1998. On January 4, 2001, RuneScape was released to the public. Since its release, the game has been praised for its free-playing abilities and its availability on a web browser. As of December 2003, RuneScape has been rated as one of the fastest growing out of all of the MMORPGs
