RuneScape Developer Responds To Fan Outrage Following Mod Shut Down

Old School RuneScape developer, Jagex, has issued an updated statement following its original decision to shut down the upcoming fan mod RuneLite HD. Whilst it stated that Jagex acknowledged fans feedback, The Old School Team claimed they had received "unacceptable levels of abuse toward individual staff members... which we will not tolerate."

What Is RuneLite HD?

RuneLite HD is a new Old School RuneScape game mod built by devoted fans Adam and 117Scape, which was due for release on September 6, 2021. The mod had taken the duo two years and 2,000 hours of work to build. Throughout the process, 117Scape hyped up fans by sharing screenshots of the incredible features of the mod, including the development of the Theatre Of Blood and Shayzien. 

However, supposedly without warning and at the very last minute, Jagex contacted the mod creators and forced them to shut it down. In the original statement, Jagex claimed this was due to its own upcoming in-house project and that "any fan-led project which seeks to change the way Old School RuneScape looks is at odds with our own plans."

117Scape announced the news via Reddit, stating that although he was "disappointed and frustrated with Jagex", he then went on to share a quote from fellow creator, Adam asking fans to "please be nice" to The Old School team: "They are nice people and are trying to do their best."   

How Did Fans React To RuneLight HD's Shutdown?

RuneLight HD's shutdown sparked huge backlash on social media against Jagex: "This is a joke, it’s not like they didn’t know it was coming but instead let 117 waste 2000 hours of his time before telling him to stop. Seriously Jagex?". Over on Twitter, one fan called on players to cancel their RuneScape subscriptions and "put RuneLite HD client ban as the reason".  

On September 8, Old School RuneScape's steam account was hit with a wave of 226 negative feedback comments from fans all criticising Jagex's actions, with many commenting the trending hashtag #Free117 in support of RuneLite HD's creators.

How Did Jagex Respond To Fan Backlash? 

"We hear you loud and clear". This was Jagex's response to the huge backlash from fans before sharing an updated statement, claiming that a conversation was in process with both 117Scape and Adam from RuneLite HD. It said that the Old School Team were "actively exploring options on how we can work together to offer 117Scape’s plug-in as a bridge until our own version is ready for release."

Jagex then went on to explain that The Old School Team had a received an overwhelming and unacceptable amount of abuse following the news: "This team is filled to the brim with people of passion. Please try to remember that behind the crowns there are real people trying to do their best for the game and its community."  

117Scape, once again, urged fans to respect Jagex employees and to stop any further abuse. As for RuneLite HD, the "things are looking positive".