Who Did Jagex Sell RuneScape To? A Deep Dive into Ownership History
The question of who owns RuneScape, the beloved massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), is a complex one with a history of ownership changes. Jagex, the developer and publisher of RuneScape, has seen several ownership transitions over the years. The most recent and current owner of Jagex, and therefore RuneScape, is The Carlyle Group, a global investment firm. They purchased Jagex in early 2021 for a reported $530 million.
The journey to Carlyle’s ownership wasn’t straightforward. Here’s a look at the ownership timeline leading up to the current situation:
- Prior to 2016: Jagex was privately held, with significant ownership by its founders.
- 2016: Jagex was acquired by Hongtou, which was subsequently acquired by Zhongji Holdings. Zhongji Holdings then changed its name to Fukong Interactive Entertainment.
- April 2020: Macarthur Fortune Holdings, a US-based asset management company, purchased Jagex for $530 million.
- January 2021: The Carlyle Group acquired Jagex from Macarthur Fortune Holdings, again for a reported $530 million.
Thus, while Jagex has had multiple owners in recent years, the current owner of both Jagex and RuneScape is The Carlyle Group. This ownership is crucial for understanding the current direction and management of the game and the company. Since the acquisition, Jagex has been focused on diversifying its portfolio and expanding the RuneScape universe, including bringing the game to mobile platforms.
The Financial Details of the Acquisition
The Carlyle Group’s acquisition of Jagex for $530 million was a significant deal in the gaming industry. While the exact terms of the deal remain undisclosed, it’s clear that RuneScape has substantial value and is considered a key asset. Interestingly, the previous transaction from Hongtou to Macarthur Fortune Holdings was also valued at $530 million, suggesting consistency in how the company was valued at the time of these two acquisitions. This consistency highlights the established value of the RuneScape franchise. Carlyle’s management, with $376 billion under management, is expected to contribute significant resources and strategies to further grow Jagex and RuneScape.
Jagex’s Acquisitions and Future Outlook
Under Carlyle’s ownership, Jagex has also started making its own acquisitions. In 2022, they picked up US studio Pipeworks and Croatian developer Gamepires, showing that Jagex isn’t just a publisher, but a growing company expanding its studio capabilities. These acquisitions underscore Jagex’s commitment to long-term growth and the expansion of its gaming portfolio beyond just the RuneScape franchise. With substantial backing and strategic acquisitions, Jagex and RuneScape are positioned for continued success and further evolution. The focus on the core RuneScape universe and bringing the game to mobile platforms demonstrates a strategic direction aimed at both veteran players and a new generation of gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of Jagex, RuneScape, and their ownership history:
What was the original sale price of Jagex when the Gower brothers sold it?
The provided articles do not specify the exact price when the Gower brothers initially sold Jagex. The focus is primarily on the later sales between other companies. It’s important to note that the Gower brothers no longer own Jagex.
How much is RuneScape valued at today?
The last reported transaction for Jagex was at $530 million when The Carlyle Group acquired it in 2021. However, the value of RuneScape itself, as a franchise, is likely higher due to its ongoing revenue and player base, with the lifetime revenue being a $1 billion franchise.
How profitable is RuneScape currently?
RuneScape continues to be highly profitable. Jagex reported £124.86 million in revenue for 2021, a four percent increase from the previous year. This marks the company’s seventh successive year of growth, attributed largely to RuneScape.
What is the lifetime revenue of the RuneScape franchise?
The RuneScape franchise is a $1 billion lifetime revenue franchise, demonstrating its long-term success and financial significance within the gaming industry.
How many people play RuneScape?
While exact figures are not provided daily, RuneScape has welcomed over 300 million player accounts to its world. Old School RuneScape (OSRS) manages an active player base between 70,000-130,000 on average days, while RuneScape 3 manages around 20,000-50,000.
Is RuneScape banned in China?
No, RuneScape is not banned in China. However, it does not have any Chinese-specific servers.
How many employees does Jagex have?
Jagex employs more than 600 people at its Cambridge headquarters and around the world, including staff at Pipeworks in North America and Gamepires in Europe.
What is the difference between RuneScape 3 and Old School RuneScape (OSRS)?
RuneScape 3 is the current iteration of the game, with updated graphics and gameplay features. Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a version of the game from 2007, preferred by many players for its classic gameplay experience.
Is RuneScape pay-to-win?
RuneScape is generally not considered pay-to-win. While microtransactions exist, they primarily offer cosmetic items and convenience features. Gameplay progression is largely dependent on skill and effort.
How much is 1 million Old School RuneScape (OSRS) gold worth in real money?
The price of OSRS gold varies based on supply and demand, but it usually ranges from $0.25 to $0.30 for 1 million OSRS gold coins.
How much is 1 billion RuneScape (RS3) and Old School RuneScape (OSRS) gold worth in real money?
Based on the information provided, 1 billion OSRS gold is worth around $270, while 1 billion of RS3 gold is worth around $30.
Is it profitable to sell OSRS gold for real money?
Yes, selling OSRS gold can be profitable, depending on various factors. Many players trade in-game gold for real-world currency, although this practice is typically against the game’s terms of service.
What is a “game tick” in RuneScape?
A game tick in RuneScape is a fundamental unit of time equal to 0.6 seconds. This tick dictates timing of in-game actions and events.
How wealthy is the average RuneScape player?
Based on analyzed wealth data, the average RuneScape player has approximately 11 million gold coins in items. However, this figure excludes untradeable items.
Does RuneScape have a history of being used for gold farming in developing countries?
Yes, RuneScape has been notably used for gold farming in Venezuela, where players earned real-world income by selling in-game currency due to the country’s economic challenges.
Conclusion
The ownership of Jagex and RuneScape has been a dynamic journey. Currently, The Carlyle Group holds the reins, having acquired the company in early 2021. This acquisition is intended to propel the company into a new era of growth and diversification. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the future direction of RuneScape under its current ownership will be closely watched by players and industry observers alike. The continued success of the game, along with its expanding reach through acquisitions, underscores the importance of this iconic MMORPG.