RuneScape is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) by British developer Jagex and is programmed in Java. Over two million active players^[1] across 133 internationally located servers make RuneScape one of the top online video games^[2] in the world. RuneScape was launched on 4 January 2001 and offers both pay-to-play (P2P) and free-to-play (F2P) memberships. RuneScape is designed to be accessible from any location with an internet connection, to run in an ordinary Web browser, and to be undemanding upon system resources.

Players, shown on the screen as customizable avatars, can see and interact with each other. While playing the game, players can engage in combat, trade, or chat^[3]. The primary activities of RuneScape are combatting non player character monsters and other players, developing a variety of skills through training, and accumulating wealth. Players can set their own goals and objectives; there is no linear path that must be followed.

RuneScape takes place in the realm of Gielinor, which is divided into the Kingdoms of Misthalin, Asgarnia, and Kandarin, the tropical Karamja island, the Kharidian Desert region, and the lawless Wilderness, among others^[4]. Players can travel throughout the world on foot, by riding in vehicles (such as boats, mine carts, or gnome gliders), or by teleporting with magic spells. Each kingdom, island, or forest area offers different types of monsters to fight, different materials to process into usable commodities, and different quests to complete.

RuneScape is usually updated weekly by Jagex. Although the majority of content updates are accessible only to P2P players, updates can bring new areas to explore, new items to collect, new skills to train, and new monsters to fight.