Runescape, one of the largest and most successful online MMORPGs has without doubt got many helpsites associated with the game. The creators at Jagex do not endorse any help site nor do they permit any advertising within the game itself. This is primarily for the benefit of the players as there are too many sites that have the sole purpose of gaining access to other players accounts by various methods.
The stance taken by Jagex ensures the integrity of their game remains high and they do not show any favouritism towards any helpsite. In theory this is an ideal stance to take, however, it also gives an opportunity for unscruplous players to design fan sites aimed to circumvent Jagex rules and to gain access to unsuspecting players accounts due to them seeking out alternative help that is not offered in the game itself.
Many of the help sites that exist are genuine and do try to help players of all levels succeed in the game and achieve as much as they can within the game rules. The worrying trend of today is the increase in fan sites that encourage players to break the rules, whether it is trading for runescape money, trading for real life items or offering 3rd party software aimed at defeating Jagex's anti-macro defense systems.
The stance taken by Jagex should be reviewed to adopt to the current environment. Runescape is expanding its audience into new markets and making large leaps forward into non-english speaking countries. However, with so much more players looking for help that isn't offered by the game creators, or more worryingly, looking for an easy method to get high levels and lots of runescape money, then Jagex should look at reviewing their policy.
All other large MMORPGs should also consider adapting to the changing state of the internet as all popular online games are being affected in the same manner. Many more websites are being released on a regular basis that are offering online gaming currency or macro devices in exchange for real life money. This is having an unnatural affect on the games economy and almost forcing the honest online gamer into trying out these services for fear of being left behind fellow players.
Jagex and other highly successful games should actively endorse fan pages to help their players find the resources they require within the rules of the game. In general, it is normally a player who is new to the game and inexperienced with many aspects will quickly turn to one of these virtual currency exchanges in order to try and catch up with more established players.
If all legitimate help sites were at least endorsed by the game creators then it would act as an important information resource for all new players and experienced players. The endorsed sites would all be approved by the game creators and accessible from an extended resources index. This would ensure that most players would be able to find any information they were after from the game resources.
The false fan sites set up would have less people randomly discovering them and would be more likely to fade out over time through lack of demand. The game creators would benefit as they would not have to enforce so many bans on players and the problem of macro abusers would reduce as the number of virtual trading sites reduced. Overall, it is a win-win situation for the game creators and the players communities.
The situation is much like any business, adapting to changing conditions. The games who fail to adapt will have a lower long term return than the games who act quickly and decisively. Games that react slow will start losing valuable and dedicated players in conjuction with having to ban an increasing number of players which will inevitably result in a reduced playerbase. This will greatly reduce the chances of long term sustainable growth but may well lead to the eventual demise of the game both in quality of player and quantity of player.
Latona can help answer all your Runescape questions and concerns. Latona is an experienced player who can benefit other players through the simple yet effective and legitimate Runescape Tips used to increase their awareness within the game and improve their chances of gaining self-suficient virtual wealth.
» left by Magekoray from USA (2 years 106 days ago.)
Love it laton! Keep on rockin Respond to this comment
» left by South gal79 from Mississippi (2 years 101 days ago.)
Good Luck Latona! Respond to this comment
» left by Robert Lowery from Ontario Canada (2 years 89 days ago.)
good, i like ur idea and i think the same thing but people would just find other ways Respond to this comment
» left by Latona(543) (2 years 87 days ago.)
Yes, people would still find other ways - but all the genuine people who were after further help would be able to find a legitimate resource index that Jagex had verified as providing information and assistance within the game rules. Respond to this comment
» left by Mrs Bradley from Lincolnshire (2 years 55 days ago.)
a whole school is affected by this game and has caused damage to people My son is 11 and should not of gone on it i know that but kids that are to young and do not no better have given out passwords and someone within the community has hacked them all, one innocent child got the blame causing uproar within one school who do you talk to for help how do you find the proof for that kid who did not do anything wrong a concerned parent on behalf of many others Respond to this comment
» left by Latona(543) (2 years 55 days ago.)
This is one problem associated with Jagex isolating fan sites and help sites. It means kids try to find altenative help and discover sites that contain keyloggers and other trojans etc. Jagex should embrace the legitimate help sites to try and help educate the kids that people offering help (and then ask for password information), are simply wanting to scam people out of items. The game does affect a lot of people and groups, Jagex should help the good communities to help them educate people. Respond to this comment
» left by Anita Cox from coxville (2 years 15 days ago.)
Mrs Bradely, You will be happy to here now Jagex is now doing so you should tell your child to look there for help now! Respond to this comment
» left by Latona(543) (2 years 15 days ago.)
Yes Jagex now run adverts advising people on their account security as well as introducing the 'Stronghold of Security' that serves an ingame attempt to educate people on the basic security required to maintain their accounts in a relatively safe environment. Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (2 years 13 days ago.)
I am loving it, and i am also happy to say that i love runescape 2!!!! That is so cool!!!!! Respond to this comment
» left by Latona(543) (2 years 13 days ago.)
I am glad you are loving it as it is a good game. Although there is always a few people that try to ruin it for the majority of players, hopefully Jagex take more actions to embrace the legitimate fan sites and that more people become educated about their account safety among other things. Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (1 year 173 days ago.)
i think this is the best game ever invented some people say it is boring but i just cant wait till runescape3 to come out
» left by Latona(543) (1 year 171 days ago.)
Jagex have said that there will not be a runescape 3. However, this means they have a robust gaming engine that they can develop considerably to improve the overall gaming experience. The main difference between runescape classic and runescape 2 was the upgrading of the game engine. Respond to this comment
» left by Ya Mum from Earth (1 year 146 days ago.)
THis was a very thoughtful article blah blah blah.... Respond to this comment
» left by Someone from Canada (1 year 146 days ago.)
Sometimes games like this get boring and everyone gives up so these webs are not very useful so sooner or later the population will decrease. Im bored of it. It is a waste of time. Is there really any education in it like Jagex said. I think they're lieing. Do u agree of disagree. Respond to this comment
» left by Latona(543) (1 year 145 days ago.)
Yes, any game can get boring and every game can serve an educational purpose. However, there is good and bad education that can be learnt via game ie runescape scams and cheats are a form of bad skills to learn wherease teamwork, goal setting, communication and learning the basics of trading can all be considered worthwhile educational gains. Respond to this comment
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