RuneScape is a Free To Play MMORPG that has millions of players worldwide even to this day, 20 years since its release. RuneScape.com was not only the site supporting the game in terms of aquisition and engagement, but also the access-point and platform, as it was a browser-based game.
Runescape.com
RuneScape.com served the triple-purpose of being the aquisition and engagement site, the platform for deeper game engagement, and the entry-point to the game itself. As such it was integral in ensuring new player aquisition and continued retention. The site boasted millions of monthly active users, made up of a passionate and vocal community. RuneScape is uniquie in its level of cooperation with its audience, and with the fact that the game is browser-based, creating a grey area of where the game ended and the web began. It was one of the first true Game Extension platforms. I was Design Lead of the site from 2008 through to 2012. As such I had the opportunity to steer the site and game's development, ensuring we were providing maximum value to the user, and helping drive the game's continued success. I led a lean Design team responsible for designing key features such as Clans, Social systems, Forums, Grand Exchange (auctioning and economy), Premier Club, RuneMetrics and the Wiki, all from the ground up.
Year: 2008-2012
Platform: Web
Role: Lead Designer
Design Team: 3x Web Designers 2x Marketing Illustrators 3x Video Editors
RuneScape Redesign
The 2012 RuneScape redesign was a far more comprehensive than previous incremental updates, coinciding with a major update to the game, known informally as RuneScape 2. I led the team in a complete reimagining of the visual language, building out a full new styleguide and visual identity. The culmiation of this design was the new RuneScape website, launching with new features such as Clan Hubs and Premier Club, as well as a completely new structure and IA. Though the site has since been redesigned again for RuneScape 3, many of my previously redesigned pages remain.
