Old School RuneScape began when a dev 'found the 2007 server in their desk drawer:' 13 years later, it's setting subscriber records for the long-lived MMO

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) began in 2007 when a developer found the server in their desk drawer, sparking a resurgence for the 13-year-old game. Creative director Kieren Charles reflected on the decision to start OSRS with the 2007 iteration, stating it was a somewhat arbitrary choice based on what players considered the "golden age."

OSRS has since set subscriber records, with over a million active subscribers. The game's community-driven approach allows for regular content updates, such as the 2024 expansion "Varlamore," which must align with OSRS's aesthetic. Players vote on potential additions, and if a feature doesn't receive a 70% approval, it's scrapped.

The OSRS team, described by Charles as caretakers of the community, balances fan-driven content with the resources of a large development team.