NextScape Runescape is Mechscape!

MechScape is Jagex's upcoming Java-based sci-fi MMORPG. It seems that development began in earnest in 2005 (around the same time that Jagex secured investment from venture capitalist Insight Venture Partners).

Where's the proof?

It is pretty definite that Jagex are working on a sci-fi/space MMORPG, and highly probably that it is called MechScape. Their recruitment material indicates that it will be made in Java as they are recruiting people to create low-polygon models "for environments, objects, vehicles, characters and special effects". (source)

The evidence:

1. Jagex has registered a trademark for "MechScape" (source) - the US entry places it in a category for "Entertainment services, namely, providing an on-line computer game; and providing on-line multi-user computer games via local computer networks, global computer networks and the Internet".

2. Thomas Woode's VV and Concept Art ("I have more recently moved to the role of Lead concepter for a exciting new MMORPG title currently in development ... Producing designs and plans for all in game vehicles (a few hundred").

3. John Seru's CV ("Lead modeller, for an online space mmorpg").

4. This discussion thread at MiniClip.

5. This discussion thread on the RuneScape boards ("Iv heard from a source. Jagex are making a futuristic version of rs").

6. In some of their jobvacancies they say they want someone with a "general sci-fi interest" and ask prospective content developers to provide a story with a sci-fi theme. One role is "to build creatures, shape virtual worlds, design quests and storylines for our new, undisclosed game".

7. The following domain names are registered to Jagex Ltd (verify with DomainTools):

• mechscape2.com (2005-08-24)

• mechscape.biz (2005-08-26)

• mechscapecoin.com (2006-05-15)
• mechscape.com (2003-12-15)
• mechscape.es (2006-07-12)
• mechscape.biz (2005-08-24)
• mechscape.co.uk (2003-12-16)
• mechscape.tk (2006-10-04)
• mechscape.info (2005-08-24)
• mechscape.mobi (2006-09-26)
• mechscape.net (2003-12-16)
  
• mechscape.org (2003-12-16)
• mechscapecommunity.com (2006-05-15)
  
• mechscapecredit.com (2006-05-15)
• mechscapegold.com (2006-05-15)
• mechscapeguide.com (2006-05-15)
• mechscapehq.com (2006-05-15)
• mechscapeinfinite.com (2006-05-15)
• mechscape.info (2005-08-24)
  
• mechscapemillions.com (2006-05-15)
• mechscapemoderators.com (2006-05-15)
• mechscapeproject.com (2006-05-15)
• mechscaper.com (2006-05-15)
• mechscaperealm.com (2006-05-15)
• mechscapeshopping.com (2006-05-15)
• mechscapetrades.com (2006-05-15)
• mechscapetrading.com (2006-05-15)
• mechscape.us (2005-08-24)
  
• mechhq.com (2006-05-15)

What will it look like?

Thomas Woode, who is the lead concept artist for Jagex's new MMORPG, released many concept images. Following are some concept images with Jagex copyright on them (click for full-size):





Also interesting are the troopers from a concept study into low-polygon characters using a re-usable mesh (wouldn't such a thing be very useful on a futuristic Java-based MMORPG?):

Check out Thomas Woode's Concept Art page and the rest of his site for some more stuff, such as cool droids.

John Sim is a former Web Designer & Producer at Jagex, and showcased a functional prototype he made for the Jagex.com site. Interesting is the mention of "SpaceCombat" and the following advertisement which could be for MechScape (or the "Force Fighter" mentioned on the mock-up):

Will MechScape be set in the RuneScape universe?

So far there is no indication one way or the other. While on the one hand the Gielinor Trubune theorises how it might work being set in the Gielinor-verse's distant future, it would also be a good opportunity for Jagex to come up with a whole new mythology.

How long has MechScape been in development?

The fact that some of the domains were registered as far back as 2003 indicates that they came up with the name a long time ago. However, the farthest back that MechScape Central has been able to find documented evidence of actual development is April 2005, which is when John Seru became Assistant Concept Artist and Lead Modeller on the project.Andrew Gower, creator of RuneScape, has long been a fan of Science Fiction and Sci-fi/Fantasy. On his old website he listed reading sci-fi books as a hobby (source), and in his 1996 Worms clone for the Atari ST Battle Zone had the teams "Discworld", "Star Trek", "Doctor Who", "Babylon 5" and "Hitchhikers [guide to the Galaxy]". It is therefore possible that he has long been planning a futuristic MMORPG.

Is there any sort of beta I can sign up to?

No - Jagex haven't even publicly announced it yet. Be *very* wary of any website which claims to be a beta sign-up, as it'll most likely be a scam to get your RuneScape account details.

What about the Trademark for FunOrb?

This thread seems to pretty convincingly put forward the case that FunOrb is the name of the new Jagex arcade, which should have some spruced up old multi-player Jagex games on it.