Jagex took a page out of EVE Online’s book back in September when they announced the new PLEX-like Bonds currency for RuneScape to help combat gold farmers and give players a new way to earn membership time. That approach appears to have been successful. According to a recent Jagex press release, RuneScape has nearly eradicated its gold seller problem, citing a drop of nearly 81% since the release of Bonds.

A Bond in RuneScape costs around $5 USD and can be traded or redeemed in-game for premium membership. Additionally, players can exchange multiple Bonds for RuneFest 2013 tickets, which is takes place on November 2, 2013.

RUNESCAPE CLOSE TO ERADICATING GOLD FARMING

INTRODUCTION OF BONDS BY JAGEX REDUCES ILLEGAL GOLD TRANSACTIONS BY 80 PERCENT WITHIN WEEKS OF LAUNCH

Tuesday 29th October 2013, Cambridge, UK - Jagex has announced that the recent introduction of Bonds into RuneScape has resulted in the near total eradication of the prohibited practice in the game. Since Bonds launched on 26th September, the amount of wealth injected by illegal gold farmers into the free-to-play MMORPG has plummeted by 81 percent.

"Dishonest gold farming has had a detrimental effect on the online gaming space since its inception, and Jagex has worked tirelessly to limit the scope and consequence this activity has had on RuneScape over many years," said Riaan Hodgson, Chief Operations Officer at Jagex.

Hodgson continued, "While we anticipated that the launch of Bonds would impact the flow of illegal wealth into the game, we are thrilled the initiative has resulted in such a strong and immediate impact. This action lays the foundations for RuneScape to continue going from strength to strength in its second successful decade!"

In addition to dramatically reducing levels of gold farming, RuneScape Bonds also form the backbone of Jagex's 'Pay-through-Play' initiative. Players can purchase and use Bonds to access premium membership content, exchange them with other community members for in-game items and wealth, or gift them to friends anywhere in the world.

"We've had a great response from the community since Bonds launched, and we are pleased to see the new features have had an immediate impact on the game," said Phil Mansell, Executive Producer of RuneScape. "As well as seriously undermining gold farmers, Bonds open up exciting benefits for players, such as RuneScape membership, via 'Pay-through-Play'."

Mansell continued, "The passionate RuneScape community hasn't wasted time in sharing with us how Bonds are helping them and their friends, whether through their selfless gifting of purchased Bonds to help others access premium membership content for the very first time, obtain in-game equipment or even gain admission to next month's RuneFest 3 event."

About Jagex

Starting in 2001 with their flagship free-to-play adventure game, RuneScape, Jagex has created a long-standing reputation for crafting the world's best online games services.  Today they stand as the UK's largest independent games developers and publishers.  With over 40 titles published to date, Jagex prides itself on developing and publishing hugely popular, accessible, free-to-play games for millions of players globally.  For more information please visit www.Jagex.com

About RuneScape

Venture forth into the rich and immersive medieval fantasy world of Gielinor, where even the smallest of actions affect the vast world around you. Recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's most popular free-to-play MMORPG, with over 200 million players and counting. BAFTA nominated, RuneScape offers unparalleled levels of choice to its players, where they can be anyone, slay anything and go anywhere in their own unique adventure, all within the browser window.  Start your greatest adventure today at www.RuneScape.com