Jagex Launches DarkScape, A Hardcore PvP-focused RuneScape World

After the cancellation of Stellar Dawn, the failure of Transformers Universe, and the launch of RuneScape 3.0, it would be fair to wonder where exactly Jagex were headed from here. It seems they are off into experimental territory, as they announced today that they have released "DarkScape," a hardcore, PvP-focused RuneScape world. As they put it on the new server's official page, "DarkScape is an experimental sandbox MMO, where open-world PvP and ruthless trade wars are the name of the day. Conquer a massive world with danger around every corner, dominate deadly high-risk regions and make your fortune running lucrative trade routes." They are trying to pass it off as a completely new MMO—and someday it might be, as they claim that players can help decide where it goes from here—but, at this exact moment, it sounds a bit like they took the current edition of RuneScape and dropped an EvE-like ruleset onto it.

This new server is completely free-to-play. Players will have access to all content for free. The difference is that subscribers gain XP 50% faster, have double the bank space, and get to keep a second item on death. Otherwise, it is a hardcore, full loot, open PvP server with strict limits on teleportation. Different regions are split into low, medium, and high risk categories. Each region has its own separate bank for players and its own economy.

Essentially, it sounds like DarkScape could be the "fantasy EvE" that many have been hoping for. And free-to-play, at that. But it should be noted that it is still RuneScape. It is also still experimental, which sounds like the future of the server is uncertain. Nevertheless, it could be great fun while it lasts.