Jagex has announced that the recent introduction of Bonds into RuneScape has resulted in the near total eradication of the prohibited practice in the game. Since Bonds launched on 26th September, the amount of wealth injected by illegal gold farmers into the free-to-play MMORPG has plummeted by 81 percent.
· A Bond in RuneScape cost $5, £3 or €4.25 each
· Bonds can only be redeemed in game
· Bonds can be redeemed in exchange for 14 days of RuneScape membership, eight Squeal of Fortune spins, or 160 RuneCoins. Multiple Bonds can also be redeemed for RuneFest tickets
· More than 10% of RuneFest attendees have paid for their ticket through Bonds
· RuneFest 3 will be held at Tobacco Dock in London on 2nd November
“Dishonest gold farming has had a detrimental effect on the online gaming space since its inception, and Jagex has worked tirelessly to limit the scope and consequence this activity has had on RuneScape over many years,” said Riaan Hodgson, Chief Operations Officer at Jagex.
Hodgson continued, “While we anticipated that the launch of Bonds would impact the flow of illegal wealth into the game, we are thrilled the initiative has resulted in such a strong and immediate impact. This action lays the foundations for RuneScape to continue going from strength to strength in its second successful decade!”
In addition to dramatically reducing levels of gold farming, RuneScape Bonds also form the backbone of Jagex’s ‘Pay-through-Play’ initiative. Players can purchase and use Bonds to access premium membership content, exchange them with other community members for in-game items and wealth, or gift them to friends anywhere in the world.
“We’ve had a great response from the community since Bonds launched, and we are pleased to see the new features have had an immediate impact on the game,” said Phil Mansell, Executive Producer of RuneScape. “As well as seriously undermining gold farmers, Bonds open up exciting benefits for players, such as RuneScape membership, via ‘Pay-through-Play’.”
Mansell continued, “The passionate RuneScape community hasn’t wasted time in sharing with us how Bonds are helping them and their friends, whether through their selfless gifting of purchased Bonds to help others access premium membership content for the very first time, obtain in-game equipment or even gain admission to next month’s RuneFest 3 event.”
