RuneScape 3

RuneScape: Next Gen (RS3) is the project name for a large series of "formidable" updates, which will feature new innovative graphics, audio, controller input and customisable interface. RS3 is the "tip of the iceberg" for updates that will start to be released in 2013, which has been hinted to start with an update to the Wilderness. The updates will be just like any other update and not made to be a completely different game, as seen in the transition from Classic to RuneScape 2.

RuneScape 3 was first mentioned by Mark Gerhard (Mod MMG), Jagex' CEO, in a live "Botting in RuneScape" Q&A stream on the RuneScape's YouTube Channel on September 9th, 2012. He suggested that Micropayments, such as Squeal of Fortune, are helping to make a "war chest" (or "fighting fund"), to be able to fund large future projects. Future live streams will include discussions about RuneScape's general future, including possibilities of RuneScape 3.

On November 16th, 2012; it was announced in a special Behind The Scenes, that Runescape 3 was given the name RuneScape: Next Gen.

Confirmed Changes
On September 27th, 2012, in the "Community Round-up 27/09/2012" update, Jagex mentioned RuneScape 3 briefly- "RuneScape 3 anybody?". This was followed by the Fourth Official Live Q&A, discussing the future of RuneScape. This live stream included discussions between Mod MMG and Mod Mark, and was hosted by Mod Paul M. RS3 is described as a combination of the most formidable updates so far. This includes innovative graphics, audio and controller input. Audio will be updated and upgraded to give a much improved experience for the players (which includes the RuneScape Website). A new "top level interface", which includes how players interact with each other, additionally a new world map. 2013 is said to be the biggest year yet for RuneScape including the following confirmed updates (whether involved with RS3 is uncertain):
 * Multiple Characters per Account
 * Changes and Choice as to whether users play via keyboard or mouse
 * Make the game more narrative-based, with greater influence on storylines with general gameplay
 * Massive involvement with the Gods (making alliances)
 * High risk, high return gameplay (in combat to gambling)
 * Rework to summoning: pet system, general leveling, usefulness of familiars, return on investment, etc.
 * Updates to agility: change in relationship between energy, running and agility.
 * Other updates to runecrafting, fletching and other skills in relation to players making their own equipment and ammunition. (long term)
 * High-Fidelity Graphics
 * A Clothes editing system, allowing players to dress themselves as they wish.

Gaming Devices
RuneScape 3 may also lead into playing the game on more devices, other than a computer. This has been estimated for early 2013. Devices include Tablets, Smart Phones and Smart TV's, and not platforms such a PlayStation, XBOX or Wii. Mod MMG has also hinted to an offline version of gameplay on mobile devices that helps your online character in the game.

New Skills
Talks of 2 new skills in 2013, A gathering skill and a production skill, have also been connected to RS3. These two skills will not be directly related, such as mining and smithing. These are linked to the new storylines, based around Gods, that will start to be released in 2013. The skills would be released apart from each other. This has been confirmed not to be sailing, as there was a "Player Owned Ports" update on December 11th, 2012.

HTML 5
On the RuneScape Official Forum there has been much discussion on RS3, including if it would be tied to the release of other updates including the likes of the Evolution of Combat, RuneTek 7 and HTML5 implementation. With HTML5, RuneScape is said to look, sound and run much better, combating lag.

Multithreading Support
It is almost certain that multithread support will be added now that high-fidelity graphics have been confirmed.

Trivia

 * Before the live stream on September 9th, 2012, Jagex had stated they had no plans for RuneScape 3.