Runescape - The Ultimate Runescape Guide

RuneScape is what is known as a massive multiplayer online roleplaying game, or MMORPG. Begun in 2001 and created by a company called Jagex Limited, RuneScape takes place in a medieval fantasy setting in which players go on quests and battle enemies throughout the virtual land. With over two million players located across the world, it's one of the most popular games of its kind, similar in many ways to World of Warcraft.

What exactly is a massive multiplayer online roleplaying (MMORPG) game? Basically, as opposed to playing a self-contained game that has a beginning and end, such games are played over the Internet and simply provide players with a world to adventure in. There is no actual "ending" to the game--an individual's session ends when they sign off. Nevertheless, the game keeps moving and the world keeps changing during their absence as others continue to play.

Players of a game such as RuneScape have extensive control over many aspects of the character they play. Everything from clothing and physical appearance to personality traits can be tweaked. In addition to fighting and going on quests, players try to accumulate wealth and stature and improve their in-game statistics. The high demand for many of these virtual items has led to a real-world market where such items can be purchased.

eBay provides RuneScape players a place where they can connect with one another and exchange virtual goods. Gold, for example, is an important aspect of the game. Players can accumulate it through game time or actually purchase it from other players for real money. Some players also sell their old characters to newer players, allowing them to start from a more powerful position.