Who Did Jagex Sell To? A Deep Dive into the Ownership History of RuneScape’s Developer
The question of who owns Jagex, the renowned developer behind the massively popular MMORPG RuneScape, is one that often arises among its millions of players. The short answer is that Jagex is currently owned by The Carlyle Group. However, the journey to Carlyle’s ownership is a complex one involving multiple acquisitions and transitions. The company hasn’t always been in the hands of the current owner and has been sold several times to different companies and holdings over the years. Let’s delve into the detailed history of Jagex’s ownership.
A Timeline of Jagex Ownership
Before discussing the recent sales, it’s important to acknowledge the origins of Jagex. The company was co-founded by the Gower brothers, Andrew, Paul, and Ian, in 2001, solidifying their impact on the gaming world with the creation of RuneScape. The brothers were the original owners of Jagex. However, they eventually sold their interests in the company.
Hongtou and Fukong Era (2016-2020)
In 2016, Jagex was acquired by Hongtou, a Chinese company. This marked a significant shift in ownership, moving away from its original founders and initial investors. Hongtou later transitioned under the umbrella of Zhongji Holdings, which subsequently changed its name to Fukong Interactive Entertainment. This ownership remained until 2020 when the company was again sold.
Macarthur Fortune Holding (2020-2021)
The next chapter in Jagex’s ownership involved a US-based asset management company, Macarthur Fortune Holding, which took control in April 2020. It is key to note that this purchase of Jagex was for $530 million. This acquisition signified another shift in direction and control for the studio and one that didn’t last long.
The Carlyle Group (2021-Present)
The most recent change in ownership occurred in January 2021, when The Carlyle Group, a global investment firm with $376 billion under management, acquired Jagex from Macarthur Fortune Holding. Once again, the price tag for this acquisition was $530 million. This acquisition solidified Jagex’s position under the umbrella of a large and well-established international investment firm. The Carlyle Group is the current owner of Jagex.
What Does This Mean for RuneScape?
While ownership changes might raise concerns among the player base, Jagex continues to operate as the developer of RuneScape and Old School RuneScape (OSRS). The Carlyle Group provides the financial backing and resources for Jagex to continue developing and maintaining these games. Furthermore, Jagex still maintains its headquarters in Cambridge and employs over 600 people globally, demonstrating a continuity despite the ownership changes.
Impact on Revenue and Player Base
It’s noteworthy that RuneScape has achieved a significant milestone, becoming a $1 billion lifetime revenue franchise, and boasting over 300 million player accounts. The game remains a popular choice amongst MMORPG gamers with consistent active player counts, particularly for OSRS. In 2021, Jagex reported revenue reaching £124.86 million, highlighting its continued financial success. Even though the original sale price is unknown, we do know that Jagex has been sold twice for $530 million each time. It has since been reported that Jagex has grown its revenue year on year since 2016, demonstrating not only its longevity but also its ability to adapt with changes in ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify Jagex’s ownership and its implications, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
Who are the original creators of Jagex and RuneScape?
The original creators of Jagex and RuneScape are the Gower brothers: Andrew, Paul, and Ian. Andrew was the lead developer for the game.
When did the Gower brothers sell Jagex and for how much?
The article does not specify when the Gower brothers sold Jagex or the amount they sold it for.
When was Jagex acquired by Hongtou?
Hongtou acquired Jagex in 2016. The article doesn’t specify the sale price of the initial sale.
How long did Macarthur Fortune Holding own Jagex?
Macarthur Fortune Holding owned Jagex for less than a year, from April 2020 to January 2021.
How much did The Carlyle Group pay for Jagex?
The Carlyle Group purchased Jagex for $530 million in January 2021.
Has Jagex always been owned by the same company?
No, Jagex has been owned by several different companies. Before The Carlyle Group, Jagex was owned by Hongtou, Fukong Interactive Entertainment, and Macarthur Fortune Holding.
What is the current estimated worth of RuneScape?
RuneScape is estimated to be a $1 billion lifetime revenue franchise. This includes revenue from both RS3 and Old School RuneScape
How many player accounts does RuneScape have?
RuneScape has welcomed over 300 million player accounts.
How many employees does Jagex have?
Jagex employs more than 600 people at its headquarters in Cambridge and other offices around the world.
How much revenue did Jagex make in 2021?
Jagex reported revenue reaching £124.86 million in 2021, marking its seventh successive year of growth.
How do the player bases compare between OSRS and RS3?
OSRS maintains a higher active player base, typically between 70,000-130,000 on an average day, while RS3 manages around 20,000-50,000.
Is Jagex owned by a Chinese company?
Jagex was previously owned by the Chinese company Fukong however, Jagex is currently owned by The Carlyle Group.
Does Jagex manage RuneScape private servers (RSPS)?
No, Jagex manages the official RuneScape servers only. Private servers (RSPS) are managed by individuals, friends, or small online teams.
What is the difference between Old School RuneScape (OSRS) and RuneScape 3 (RS3)?
OSRS is based on a 2007 version of RuneScape, featuring a more simplistic combat system and a grind-heavy progression system. RS3 has been updated over the years with numerous updates, a more complex combat system, and enhanced graphics.
Has Jagex approved of Runelite?
Yes, Jagex allows players to access RuneLite through the official launcher.
Final Thoughts
The ownership of Jagex has undergone several changes since its founding, reflecting the evolution and financial successes of RuneScape. Despite these transitions, the core of Jagex remains committed to developing and maintaining the worlds of RuneScape, with The Carlyle Group currently at the helm. The game’s enduring popularity and continuous growth highlight Jagex’s ability to thrive, regardless of ownership.