RuneScape 3

RuneScape 3 is a large collection of features Jagex is currently working on, including improved graphics and audio, customizable interfaces and much more. Contrary to popular belief, RuneScape 3 has been confirmed to be one single, massive update, not a series of content updates that will be added over months of time.

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. Later on 22 March, Jagex confirmed that RuneScape 3 will be released in the summer in a bonus Behind the Scenes video.

Confirmed Changes
The following is a list of features confirmed to be included in the RuneScape 3 update. Jagex Mods have confirmed via the forums that we do not yet know of all the changes included in the RuneScape 3 update, so there are more changes yet to be announced.
 * HTML5-based client (including increased draw distance, slightly improved graphics, and skyboxes)
 * Improved weather effects (for places that already have them, not adding weather everywhere)
 * Customizable interfaces
 * Improved audio

Unconfirmed Changes
The following are all confirmed updates that Jagex plans to add at some point, but it is unclear whether or not they will be included in the RuneScape 3 update.
 * RuneTek 7 graphics engine
 * Multiple characters per Account
 * Rework to summoning, including changes to the pet system, general leveling, usefulness of familiars and returns on investments
 * Updates to agility, changing in relationship between energy, running and agility
 * Long-term updates to runecrafting, fletching and other skills in relation to players making their own equipment and ammunition

Recommended System specs
In an email sent out to registered beta players, Jagex recommended a Intel Core i5 processor with Nvidia 200 series or equivalent GPU to have the "best experience".

Gaming Devices
A side-effect of porting the game to HTML5 is that the game may be playable on other devices in the future, including portable tablets and gaming consoles. Jagex has said this may be possible, assuming the device has the specs to run the game, but it is not something they are trying to accomplish at this time.

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 HTML5 implementation. With HTML5, RuneScape is said to look, sound and run much better, improving frame rates. Jagex suggest a processor equivalent to an Intel i5 and a graphics card equal to or greater than that of the NVidia 200 series for the best experience.

Customisable Interface
In addition to new graphics, RS3 is confirmed to include a new interface, allowing for customization to players' needs. This new interface will be composed of Action windows, customized in the Management Interface, which can contain various interfaces. These Action windows can then be merged into a single window with tabs to choose the current window. Current adrenaline, lifepoints , and prayer points will all be shown in their own bars over the action bar.

Client
There will not be a dedicated client for the HTML5 game. However, there exists a workaround to create a standalone, chromeless window in Google Chrome.
 * 1) Open the game in Chrome;
 * 2) While on the game page (the actual page the game loads in), open the Chrome settings dropdown (looks like 3 horizontal lines, located at the top-right);
 * 3) Go to "Tools";
 * 4) Select "Create Application shortcuts";
 * 5) Choose where you want the shortcut to be;
 * 6) Close the Chrome window/tab where the game is being played;
 * 7) Click on the shortcut button you just created.

This will create a Chrome window the same size as the standalone client window; no address bar, no bookmarks bar, etc.

Multithreading Support
It is possible that Multithreading support will be added but this has not been confirmed. The current game has been said to be capable of multithreading, and that it simply has not been enabled.