[2019] Why did RuneScape transition from realistic-medieval to flamboyant high-fantasy style?

The funny thing is... the original assets for RS2 were mostly out sourced via the internet! Hence why they vary wildly in style and quality. Around 2005/6 was when they started increasing the staff to work on art.

In fact, one of the original artists told me that his flat mate made a large chunk of the original monsters for the slayer skills release.

I’ve also played the game since 2004. I’m not saying that qualifies me for a ‘correct opinion’ but it shows that everyone’s opinion on what is ‘old school’ varies person to person, regardless of background.

That being said, Im aiming to lean towards a more medieval style in the future for my work. It’s still a fantasy game though and we shouldn’t forget that!

Also... The vision I try to keep to is based around areas like Varrock and Canifis, hopefully the recent Hosidius rework is a good example of this.

I think the lance (while I don’t hate the final product) was a situation of design by committee. The elements were decided on via a straw poll, but ultimately there wasn’t much variety and choice. I feel that method worked well for Dihns Bulwark but that was always going to be a big shield. The lance could’ve been less jousting and more war-lance.

Thanks for the feedback :)

2007 was the earliest backup that was available unfortunately :(

what was your opinion on the swap from 2.5D (classic) to 3D (RS2)?

Not entirely medieval, I should say, just less high fantasy and more low fantasy. Think things like GoT (although that’s pushing it) and Arthurian legend.

👍

Thanks! I thoroughly enjoyed making the rooftops, however little players see of them :P

That’s the one! Personally not a fan of those guards but the environment is nice.

Interesting perspective! Has someone equipped the full set of the dragon stone armour yet? I tried to be quite restrictive on how many gems I placed on each piece, keeping it sensible. It looks nothing like the RS3 version, if that means anything :P Although I’m sure it’ll be accused of being ‘RS3’ as is the trend :( unsure what it even means at this point.

I thought I saw some gems on the gloves of your recent piece 🤔 it stuck out to me as I’d put a gem in the exact same place for the dstone set and noted we couldn’t make them as small as yours :P really liked that staff though... wish you’d made that before the last TT update. Maybe for the next one! I have it saved :)

That’s fair! I have made missteps in the past with some items. I suppose though, if you look back at your old work and think it’s better than your current pieces, you’re probably doing something wrong...

Keep up the good work dude :)

Thanks :)

You’re correct in a way. When using 2004 style assets as an example, there is a lot of block colour and chunky graphics but when you move more towards 2007, suddenly a lot more colours/shades and more organic shapes appear. For instance: The godwars bosses, the various NPC updates (goblins, demons, dragons, bears etc), cave goblins and metal dragons... to name a few.

I have lived in our model repository for the past 3 years, I know my assets :P