Amidst a heated controversy surrounding a recent membership survey, Old School RuneScape has found itself in the crosshairs of disgruntled players who are making their voices heard by review bombing the game on Steam. This communal outburst has resulted in the game suffering an “Overwhelmingly Negative” rating on the platform, a significant drop fueled by frustration over what many perceive as poor decision-making from Jagex.
RuneScape’s journey has been peppered with its fair share of contentious updates, eliciting fierce reactions from its community. Protests have previously taken the form of membership cancellations and in-game demonstrations, often staged at popular spots like Falador Park. But now, players are turning to review bombing—a tactic seen in many fandoms recently—to express their dissatisfaction with what they see as yet another unpopular move by Jagex.
A quick glance at Old School RuneScape’s Steam page reveals fan discontent in full force. While some users are abandoning their memberships and stepping back from the game, others are choosing to express their dissatisfaction through harsh reviews on Steam. The result? A sharp decline in favorable ratings from players, with only 17% of reviews in the past month being positive. This backlash stems from the controversial membership survey spearheaded by Jagex. Interestingly, the negative sentiment hasn’t hit RuneScape 3 as hard—it carries a “Mixed” review status, leaving OSRS to weather the brunt of this digital storm.
It’s hardly a shock that these reviews zero in on the membership survey, with phrases like “corporate greed” and “price gouging” popping up frequently. This wave of negativity reflects the broader sentiments within the RuneScape community. As one of the oldest surviving MMOs, RuneScape is no stranger to adversity, but Jagex will face an uphill battle to restore player trust and regain their goodwill—an effort sure to be marked by challenges given the current climate of discontent.
The game’s rocky start to 2025 is particularly disappointing due to its potential turning point: the introduction of Sailing as Old School RuneScape’s first new skill. This should have been a time of excitement, heralding innovative updates and fresh experiences for players. Instead, the community finds itself at odds with Jagex over decisions many see as missteps, sullying what could have been an ebullient period with unnecessary friction.
For adventurers venturing into the world of Old School RuneScape, the game remains an expansive journey shaped by its player community. Despite current tensions, the longstanding relationship between developers and fans is foundational to Old School RuneScape’s enduring charm. Whether you aim to be a master chef or a fierce warrior, the game offers an experience that’s as much about the friendships forged within Gielinor as it is about the quests and challenges. As players continue to explore and engage with this beloved MMORPG, the ultimate quest will be whether Jagex and its community can find common ground and renew their long-standing bond.
