What is an RSPS? 

A RuneScape Private Server, otherwise known as an RSPS, is a user-made server which possesses similar traits and content from the game ‘Runescape’. These Runescape Private Servers are usually managed by individuals or small teams with developers, community managers and administrators.  To create an RSPS, knowledge in programming languages such as Java, C#, PHP and SQL are required. 

Are RuneScape Private Servers Dying?

This question depends on the RuneScape Private Server's management team, development team and other key roles and factors that play a role in the overall succession of a server. There are less players playing RSPS’s in 2020 in comparison to previous years, however this does not mean the inherent fun in playing a RSPS is out of the window.

There are still numerous successful RSPS’s with a large player base and community. Frequent and consistent updates, Server events and advertising campaigns all contribute to the fate of an RSPS.

Newly released Private servers with a strong management and development team can also drastically change the overall player base of other competitors’ servers.

How much do RuneScape Private Servers make?

This varies depending on a few factors: Player base, the amount pumped into marketing and development and the number of players that donate money to the server in return for items or In-Game money. Private servers usually offer their donators specialized ranks and zones for their contributions.

A successful server which averages 400 players can generate between $15,000 - $20,000 a month depending on the amount of donations they receive.

From research conducted by Crumb (RuneScape Youtuber), the well-known private server ‘SoulSplit’ averaged about 2000 daily players and generated an estimate of 1.5 million dollars in annual net revenue. SoulSplit was said to have 3 million unique accounts registered.

Does Jagex care about RuneScape Private Servers (Legality behind RSPS)?

Jagex have taken down many RSPS servers in the past including big names like SoulSplit, Ikov, Emps-Scape, FrugooScape and many others. That being said since the release of OldSchool RuneScape, Jagex has been very idle in the RSPS scene and no take downs have happened. does jagex care about RSPS now? We will have to wait and see!

Believe it or not, but the majority of servers are illegal. You are using Jagex's Stream and Cryption classes. There's also a belief that a TOS can save you. No, it can't. It's like murdering someone, placing them on your lawn, and then placing a sign that states 'Police officers are not allowed on this premise So, there's really only one way around the illegality,and that is rewriting the RS client not to use anything of Jagex's. Although, if you can do this, you're better off going and making your own game.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog! Have any other interesting topics? Feel free to drop me a PM 😀

Aymen