Cambridge, UK Wednesday 26 ^th September 2011 – Jagex, the creators of the hugely popular and multi-award winning free-to-play adventure game - RuneScape, today announced details of their most stringent anti-bot update ever - Botany Bay.

Botting is a system whereby a player uses automated computer software to level their character whilst they are away from the computer.  The most common bots within RuneScape are used by players who wish to raise their experience in a specific skill such as mining or woodcutting.  Using such 3 ^rd party software is against the RuneScape rule and has resulted in a player being permanently banned from the game when caught.

Following on from the successful Bot Nuke of 2011, Jagex have taken a huge step in their battle against the bots by introducing tough new sanctions against players who are caught botting.  Players who do bot will not only be banished from the game, but will also be named and shamed among the community.

From today, any player caught botting will be given two warnings to allow them to change their ways, after which they will be permanently banned from the game - with no appeals.  At each warning stage the botter's avatar will change to signify to the rest of the community that they have been caught botting.  After receiving their second and final warning should they break the rules again, the bot avatar will be transferred to a new area called Botany Bay to await the judgment of the community.

Mark Ogilvie, RuneScape Lead Designer commented, "We take a very hard line on cheaters in our game and have taken the unique move to name and shame those who have been breaking one of our most important rules. We have wanted to do this for some time and we hope that by bringing the actions of those who cheat to the attention of the wider community, we can make a massive step towards eliminating botting from the game”.

Ogilvie continued, “Our community has always had strong feeling about players who cheat the system by botting, especially as they feel it devalues their own hard work and in-game achievements.  Botany Bay literally puts guilty players in the stocks whilst the community decides what to do with them.  Players who do take part in the trial and subsequent sentencing will be rewarded with a unique in-game cosmetic item."

During the botter’s trial players will be given the chance to vote on their favourite method of disposal for the bot, including being stomped upon by a dragon and blasted in a ray of light from the RuneScape gods.  Players will also be able to show their displeasure by pelting the bot with rotten fruit whilst they wait for their votes to be counted.

This update comes hot on the heels of the recent J.A.G update which greatly increased the security options available to all RuneScape players.

To join in the fight against the bots and claim your Pitchfork of Vigilantism today why not head over to www.RuneScape.com to create your free account.

Assets for Botany Bay are available to download here: http://bit.ly/BotanyBay

-Ends-

About RuneScape

RuneScape is the world’s most popular free-to-play online adventure game (as recognised by Guinness World Records) from award-winning independent British development studio Jagex.

Set in a vivid and detailed fantasy world, RuneScape’s universe and narrative proudly draws its inspiration from classic role-playing games, delivering an innovative and original experience for millions of players worldwide every day. RuneScape is totally free-to-play, with a popular subscription option of even greater scale and ambition, both running directly within almost any computer’s browser.

Players are not restricted by character classes and with its open-world gameplay there are no limits to the hero players can become. All quests are accessible to all and player-versus-player combat is an optional experience.

RuneScape’s witty tone, finely balanced gameplay, epic questing and completely open world combine to create a game that has earned its place as the most popular free-to-play online adventure game of all time and continues to push the boundaries as the World’s Greatest Adventure.

About Jagex

Jagex is a multi-award winning online games developer based in Cambridge, England. Jagex specialises in the development of high quality browser-based games with supporting platform and technology. Jagex is also the largest independent games developer and publisher in the UK.

Jagex has a long-standing reputation for creating the world's best online games and for developing hugely popular, high quality, accessible, free-to-play games and for providing an unbeatable community experience for millions of players around the world. Jagex has developed and self-published over 40 online titles, including the world's most popular free multiplayer online game, RuneScape.com.

Press Contact: