The introduction of Bonds by developer Jagex has reduced illegal gold transactions by 80% within weeks of launch.
Jagex’ recent introduction of Bonds into RuneScape has resulted in the near total eradication of the prohibited practice of gold farming in the game. Since Bonds launched on September 26, 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.
