Update:The Status of DarkScape

As Mod Conor posted last week, we've spent a while reviewing options for DarkScape's future. DarkScape was an experimental gameplay mode with emergent PVP, and while it was a novel curiosity for players at the start, it has now run its course. With most players having migrated back to RuneScape or Old School - which continue to go from strength to strength - we've taken the decision to close the DarkScape servers on 28th March.

We're going out with one last hurrah. Until the 28th, it'll continue in its trademark style - complete with some surprises as a ‘thank you' to everyone in the game's small but dedicated community.

Why?
DarkScape offered an intriguing twist on the traditional RuneScape gameplay, and the experimental mode caught some players' attention when we launched it in September last year. The majority of players came to it out from regular RuneScape or Old School, but soon returned to those games to resume their main adventures.

Today, there's a small, hardcore community that continues to play DarkScape. Unfortunately, it's just not big enough to warrant ongoing development. The updates made along the way allowed us to experiment with RuneScape's PvP gameplay systems, play around with changes to the game economy, and test out major changes to combat and equipment behaviour.

We hope to take what we've learnt back into the main game in the future. For DarkScape itself, though, these experiments weren't enough to make it different enough to develop its own player base for the longer term.

Thank You
The remaining DarkScape community has been passionate and dedicated, and we can't thank you enough for the time you've invested. Your feedback has been invaluable, and we'll be looking for ways to make the spirit of DarkScape fight on in the future development of RuneScape and Old School.

As a special thanks, those who've logged into DarkScape 20+ times with 10+ hours total playtime between 1st January and today's announcement will receive a month's membership in RuneScape once DarkScape closes.

Also, anyone who's spent 10 hours or more playing DarkScape from launch until today's announcement will receive a special cape in RuneScape main game. Details to come soon.

What Now?
Between now and 28th March, Mod Pi has some deviously fun stuff in store for DarkScape. Expect zombies, wandering bosses, and general worldwide chaos – keep an eye on the news for more details!

We hope to see you soon in RuneScape main or Old School. If DarkScape's high-risk PvP gameplay got your blood pumping, then [mazon.com Old School's Deadman Mode] may well be perfect for you - especially as the new Seasonal Deadman Servers will be launching at the end of March.

The DarkScape Team