A Review of RuneScape Online RPG
Parent Information & Safety Concerns for a Huge Internet Video Game
Created by Jagex Ltd., RuneScape is an online role-playing game where hundreds of thousands of people at a time play worldwide. Based in a fictional Medieval world, RuneScape, real people play as their own avatar (character).
There is a popular online game of adventures and quests. However, with the dangers for young people on the Internet, parents may wonder if this is a safe game for children to be playing.
To find out, the author of this article joined RuneScape, and became a RuneScape "hero."
Safety Features of RuneScape
Parents should start by reading the on the RuneScape website.
Players do interact and can "talk." Players may "ignore" (or block) or report obnoxious or rude players, and often do. Good players seem to thrive on keeping the game clean and safe for all. Real-life friends can have a side chat without others reading.
JMods (Jagex Moderators) and PMods (Player Moderators) are Jagex staff and respected longtime players with spotless records, are roaming "players" who watch for problems as offensive content, personal verbal attacks on real players, the giving out of personal information and such.
RuneScape Rules of Conduct (condensed)
- No language which is offensive, racist or obscene allowed.
- No scam or deceiving other players.
- No asking for other players' password for any reason.
- Don't attempt to impersonate Jagex staff.
- Each account can be used by ONE person only.
- No encouraging others to break any of the RuneScape rules.
- RuneScape items must only be exchanged for other items/services within the game.
- No asking for or give out personal details.
Safety and Security Section of this RPG
There is also an entire Safety and Security Section any younger player needs to read (preferably with an adult). Just a few words of wise advise from this area include:
- Do not tell other players personal information. Not even if they claim to be Jagex staff!
- Don't tell anyone your real name, email address, home address, messenger handle or phone number. Use your RuneScape in-game friends list to chat and interact with the other players safely.
- If someone is making you feel uncomfortable then you should not attempt to carry on a conversation with this person.
- Please see our disruptive members guide for details on both how to ignore these players and reporting them, should they insult you directly.
- If you need any help... Please contact Customer Support. Have fun and be safe. That's what RuneScape is all about!
Jagex also give links for how to contact local law authorities and will cooperate with law enforcement in situations of Child Protection.
Unfortunately, despite these rules, children may still be exposed to content parents prefer they weren't. Sneaky players have figured out ways to write bad or insulting words in ways that are not picked up on by the system. For instance, writing something one letter at a time, such as:
- Lke2: J
- Lke2: E
- Lke2: R
- Lke2: K
They may also attempt to make fake letters, like using "!3" as a B, and then writing a swear word out of that. Players can report this, but by then, they have already been exposed to the bad language or comments. This is the biggest concern for kids playing the game, beyond game play violence, as there is fighting and killing involved.
RuneScape's minimum age is 13, which this reviewer agrees is a good minimum. Per the site, RuneScape was never intended for children. Despite this, they do a great job of keeping kids safe.
For more about RPGs, see the articles Adventure Quest Free Online RPG and Adventure Quest Online RPG Guardianship.
For more G-Rated info on online RPGs, see the website Free Internet Gaming - Online Games
For an assortment of fun and free online games, check out Zertiflyable Games.
Sources
RuneScape
RuneScape Player-Advisor
BattleOn - Makers of Adventure Quest (Artix Entertainment)
