The introduction of Bonds by developer Jagex has reduced illegal gold transactions by 80% within weeks of launch.
“We’ve had a great response from the community since Bonds launched, and we are pleased to see the new features have had an immediate impact on the game,” said Phil Mansell, Executive Producer of RuneScape. “As well as seriously undermining gold farmers, Bonds open up exciting benefits for players, such as RuneScape membership, via ‘Pay-through-Play’.”
Mansell continued, “The passionate RuneScape community hasn’t wasted time in sharing with us how Bonds are helping them and their friends, whether through their selfless gifting of purchased Bonds to help others access premium membership content for the very first time, obtain in-game equipment or even gain admission to next month’s RuneFest 3 event.”
A Bond in RuneScape cost $5, £3 or €4.25 each. Bonds can be redeemed in exchange for 14 days of RuneScape membership, eight Squeal of Fortune spins, or 160 RuneCoins. Multiple Bonds can also be redeemed for RuneFest tickets
More than 10% of RuneFest attendees have paid for their ticket through Bonds. RuneFest 3 will be held at Tobacco Dock in London on November 2.
In RuneScape, players venture forth into the rich and immersive medieval fantasy world of Gielinor, where even the smallest of actions affect the vast world around you. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s most popular free-to-play MMORPG, with over 200 million players and counting. BAFTA nominated, RuneScape offers unparalleled levels of choice to its players, where they can be anyone, slay anything and go anywhere in their own unique adventure, all within the browser window.
