RuneScape "Messed Up" On The Hero Pass And Is Making Changes As The Company Could Be For Sale Soon

What will become of RuneScape's infamous Hero Pass?

The team has issued another update regarding the controversial system, acknowledging their mistakes and the frustration it has caused within the community. They admit to misjudging the launch, which was criticized for being too pay-to-win and for the removal of Daily Challenges. In response, Jagex plans to address these issues through immediate changes and long-term redesign efforts to the MMORPG's new system.

To address the pay-to-win aspects, they will disable the purchase of Hero Pass levels and Underworld Emblems, remove Hero Pass Content Buffs, and move Hero Pass XP Buffs to be available to all members through gameplay. Premier Pass rewards will now focus on cosmetics and consumables. The Daily Challenge system, which was previously removed, will be reinstated with its prior rewards, and Hero Pass rewards will be re-balanced to make them easier to obtain.

They’re going to redesign the Hero Pass though, and emphasized these quick fixes may not be the final solutions. However, the team says they intend to reduce pay-to-win elements, restore removed features, and balance mission rewards.

While this is all going on, global investment firm Carlyle is considering options for Jagex, with the company potentially valued at up to $1.25 billion, according to Reuters. An auction process is expected to take place later in the year. The multinational private equity acquired Jagex in January 2021 for around $530 million, and Jagex's annual earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization are almost $75 million — expected to grow by over 10% next year.

Who, if anyone, do you think would be an interested buyer in the company?