RuneScape's Bold Move: Player Vote Leads to Microtransaction Overhaul

In a significant development for the long-running fantasy MMORPG RuneScape, developer Jagex has committed to phasing out its contentious 'Treasure Hunter' microtransaction feature. This decision stems directly from a community-wide vote, where players overwhelmingly opted for its removal, showcasing Jagex's unusual trust in its player base, even when it impacts revenue streams. The move follows years of player dissatisfaction with the system, which many viewed as veering into gambling territory, and marks a new era of player-centric development for the 24-year-old title.

For years, RuneScape, much like numerous other online games, has incorporated microtransactions into its ecosystem. Among these was 'Treasure Hunter,' a daily engagement that allowed participants to acquire virtual prizes by utilizing keys to unlock chests. These prizes encompassed a range of in-game benefits, such as enhanced equipment and experience points. However, the system's integration in 2014 was met with growing criticism, particularly as its mechanics began to resemble gambling, culminating in a period where players could wager existing rewards for improved ones. Although Jagex subsequently curtailed this specific promotion and issued an apology, acknowledging the need for a more player-friendly experience, the core 'Treasure Hunter' feature persisted.

Despite its continued presence, the incident underscored Jagex's willingness to engage with player feedback. Over the subsequent years, the developer explored alternative monetization strategies, including battle passes and convenience-based services, in an effort to diversify revenue without alienating its community. In 2019, Jagex openly admitted its heavy reliance on 'Treasure Hunter' and expressed a desire to address player concerns. A 2024 survey further validated these anxieties, revealing that nearly half of the active player base was unhappy with the game's microtransactions, with a significant number of former players indicating a potential return if monetization practices improved.

Building on this feedback, Jagex introduced a series of temporary microtransaction adjustments in mid-2025, exploring different approaches to monetization, such as reintroducing previously discontinued cosmetic items. This culminated in a pivotal proposal in October 2025: the complete elimination of 'Treasure Hunter.' A public poll, launched on October 29th, stipulated that the proposal would be implemented if it garnered 100,000 'yes' votes. With RuneScape boasting a peak concurrent player count of 200,000 in 2024 and millions having played the game throughout its history, the threshold was met in less than 24 hours, reaffirming the community's strong desire for change.

Jagex has since confirmed its commitment to fulfilling this promise. While the removal of 'Treasure Hunter' and the cessation of experience and skill-based purchases are scheduled for January 2026, these changes are part of a more extensive, year-long initiative called the 'Integrity Roadmap.' This roadmap aims to tackle long-standing issues within the game, including user interface improvements, combat adjustments, daily activity rebalancing, enhancements to early and mid-game experiences, and visual identity updates. This comprehensive effort seeks to usher in a much-needed new era for RuneScape, addressing persistent challenges like player acquisition, retention, and fair monetization, especially given its impressive longevity in the live service game market.

Recognizing that its dedicated player base often consists of older, long-term enthusiasts with limited playtime, Jagex acknowledges the need for a more streamlined and less intrusive experience. As CEO Jon Bellamy articulated, the removal of 'Treasure Hunter' is a component of a broader organizational transformation at Jagex, signaling a renewed commitment to delivering greater value, fairness, and long-term improvements across all its titles. This strategic shift, while challenging in a competitive gaming landscape dominated by newer titles, aims to attract new players while reinforcing trust and satisfaction among its loyal community.