Who Bought Out RuneScape? A Deep Dive into the Game’s Ownership History
The question of who owns RuneScape is surprisingly complex, given the game’s long and storied history. The answer isn’t as simple as pointing to one single company. Currently, RuneScape is owned by The Carlyle Group, a global investment firm. However, the path to this ownership was paved with several acquisitions and changes in controlling interests. Let’s unravel this fascinating ownership narrative.
A History of Shifting Sands: RuneScape’s Ownership Timeline
Early Days and Initial Growth
RuneScape, originally known as DeviousMUD, was created by Andrew Gower in 1998. It wasn’t until 2001, though, that it would be rebranded as RuneScape. The game was initially developed and managed by Gower himself and his brothers. As it grew, the company was formalized as Jagex. While Jagex itself has been a constant, the ownership of Jagex has been more fluid.
From UK Roots to U.S. and Chinese Control
For a significant period, Jagex remained a privately held UK company, until being acquired by U.S. investors between 2012 and 2016. This marked a shift from its initial, homegrown roots. The next significant change came in 2016 when Hongtou Holdings, a Chinese investment firm, bought Jagex. This acquisition meant that RuneScape was owned by a Chinese company, Fukong Interactive, through their parent company, for several years.
A Brief Interlude with Macarthur Fortune Holding
The ownership of Jagex took another turn when Macarthur Fortune Holding LLC, a U.S. holding company, acquired it around 2020. This period of ownership was relatively short-lived, lasting only about a year.
The Current Owner: The Carlyle Group
In January 2021, The Carlyle Group stepped in, purchasing Jagex from Macarthur Fortune Holding for a reported $530 million. This acquisition represents the current state of RuneScape’s ownership. The Carlyle Group, a global investment firm with substantial assets under management, is now the parent company of Jagex, and thus, the owner of the RuneScape franchise.
Carlyle’s Vision for Jagex
Since acquiring Jagex, The Carlyle Group has expressed an interest in diversifying Jagex’s portfolio and further developing the “core RuneScape universe”. This includes bringing the game to mobile platforms, a significant step in expanding its reach. Carlyle has also supported Jagex in making acquisitions of its own, like the purchase of the US studio Pipeworks and Croatian developer Gamepires in 2022, demonstrating a commitment to the company’s growth and development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about RuneScape Ownership
Here are some commonly asked questions to provide a clearer understanding of the ownership of RuneScape:
1. When was Jagex initially sold?
Jagex was first sold to U.S. investors between 2012 and 2016, marking the initial transition from its privately held status in the UK.
2. Did China ever own RuneScape?
Yes, between 2016 and 2020, Jagex was owned by the Chinese company, Fukong Interactive, through Hongtou Holdings.
3. How much did Carlyle pay for Jagex?
The Carlyle Group purchased Jagex for a reported $530 million in January 2021.
4. What is The Carlyle Group’s management style for RuneScape?
The Carlyle Group intends to diversify Jagex’s portfolio, focusing on expanding the RuneScape universe, including mobile adaptations.
5. What other companies has Jagex acquired?
Under Carlyle’s ownership, Jagex has acquired Pipeworks (USA) and Gamepires (Croatia) in 2022.
6. Is RuneScape banned in China?
No, RuneScape is not banned in China, although it doesn’t have any China-specific servers.
7. How much money has RuneScape made over its lifetime?
RuneScape is a $1 billion lifetime revenue franchise and has welcomed over 300 million player accounts to its world.
8. Is RuneScape still played today?
Yes, RuneScape is one of the longest-surviving MMORPGs and continues to have an active player base, with many returning veteran players.
9. How many people play RuneScape currently?
While it fluctuates, Old School RuneScape (OSRS) manages an active player base of between 70,000-130,000 on an average day, and RuneScape 3 manages about 20,000-50,000.
10. How many employees work for Jagex?
Jagex employs more than 600 people at its headquarters in Cambridge and across its other studios.
11. What was the original name of RuneScape?
Before RuneScape, the game was known as DeviousMUD.
12. Is RuneScape a free game?
RuneScape offers a free-to-play version, while also providing a paid membership option that unlocks additional content.
13. What is the average wealth of a RuneScape player?
The average wealth of a RuneScape player is approximately 11 million in-game gold coins.
14. How has RuneScape impacted real-world economies?
During economic downturns in Venezuela, many people began gold farming in RuneScape to earn real money, showcasing the game’s impact on real-world economies.
15. Who is Zezima and why is he important?
Zezima was the first RuneScape player to achieve level 99 in all skills, a feat he accomplished on September 28, 2007.
Conclusion
In summary, while The Carlyle Group currently owns RuneScape through their ownership of Jagex, the game’s ownership history is a winding path that includes British founders, U.S. investors, a Chinese corporation, and a brief stint under another U.S. holding company. This complex narrative highlights the global appeal and enduring legacy of RuneScape, a game that has stood the test of time.