Over 120,000 microtransaction haters have successfully campaigned to remove the controversial feature from MMO by 2026, Jagex declares “the start of a new era”

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RuneScape to Remove Treasure Hunter Following Community Vote

After more than a decade in operation, RuneScape is taking a major step in addressing microtransactions in its MMO. Earlier this month, developer Jagex put the decision to remove the game’s microtransaction system, Treasure Hunter, directly in the hands of its community. The poll drew over 120,000 votes, surpassing the 100,000 needed for approval, marking a win for players opposed to pay-to-win mechanics.

As a result, Treasure Hunter, which has been part of RuneScape since 2014, will be removed starting January 19, 2026. This removal includes over 200 methods to purchase experience directly, which many players criticized for turning the MMO into a pay-to-win environment. Jagex admitted that the feature had negatively impacted both gameplay and the community.

The company plans to launch a year-long “Integrity Roadmap” alongside the removal, aiming to improve the game and address long-standing issues. This initiative echoes earlier community-driven decisions, such as polling players when reviving Old School RuneScape, where player votes continue to guide major updates.

Treasure Hunter historically granted daily keys that offered rewards like experience boosts or gameplay-skipping items. While some free keys were available, many players purchased additional keys, creating a pay-to-win dynamic that alienated parts of the player base.

Jagex CEO Jon Bellamy emphasized the significance of this change:
"January 19th is the start of a new era for RuneScape, powered by a shared desire to see this game grow for decades to come."

Coinciding with this date, Jagex will host a special RuneScape Ahead presentation on its YouTube channel, offering insights into the MMO’s roadmap and “era-defining” plans for 2026 and beyond.

References

  1. PC Gamer — Coverage on RuneScape community vote to remove Treasure Hunter (2025).

  2. Jagex Official Statement — CEO Jon Bellamy on Treasure Hunter removal and Integrity Roadmap (2025).

  3. RuneScape Official YouTube — RuneScape Ahead presentation announcement (2025).

  4. Historical context — Old School RuneScape community polling and decision-making practices.


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