Jagex Rules

by: Tuami

Runescape is a very popular MMORPG and therefore to keep the game fair for all players, Jagex have had to introduce several rules to maintain the consistency in their decisions. The rules of runescape are set out to help protect players from becoming a victim to a scammer or cheat as well as prevent them from being banned by Jagex.

Rule 1: Offensive Language:
This rule helps Jagex maintain some order within the game and helps players maintain a courteous environment for other players. The rule should be respected at all times as there are many younger players that should not be exposed to aggressive and threatening or abusive language. It is one way to help combat any form of bullying and any player who is subjected to racist, abusive or obscene language should use the report abuse feature in the game.

Rule 2: Item Scamming:
Runescape is susceptible to many item scammers that are only looking to serve their own interests. Jagex did not develop runescape so that other players would be deceived out of items and therefore do ban players who attempt to scam or deceive people. It is not in the spirit of the game and promotes a lot of hostility if not strongly enforced. New players are extremely susceptible to item scamming and this rule primarily protects them. The most common runescape item scam is armour trimming and should be reported via the ingame report abuse feature.

Rule 3: Password Scamming:
This rule is in place for obvious reasons and protects all players from losing their account to account hijackers. It must be stressed that a player should never reveal their runescape password to anyone, even if that player offers help as the majority of times it will result in an account hijacking where valuable runescape items can be lost beyond recovery. Jagex treat password scamming with extreme severity and expect to be banned if you openly ask for another players' password or are caught using another player's account.

Rule 4: Cheating or Bug Abuse:
Cheats for runescape do not exist, although occasional bugs may appear in the game. Any player found openly abusing a bug or cheating will be banned by Jagex. If you are aware of any bugs in runescape then you should report it directly to Jagex via the ingame report abuse feature - failure to do this could result in your account being banned for bug abuse. This helps maintain overall game balance.

Rule 5: Jagex Staff Impersonation:
This rule will help protect people from being fooled or scammed into giving away account security information that could lead to account hijacking. Jagex staff members will always have a gold crown beside their name to help identify themselves ingame and will never ask for personal information. There is no such thing as undercover Jagex staff and anyone stating they work for Jagex without the gold crown beside their name should be reported ingame via the report abuse feature for breaking this rule.

Rule 6: Account Sharing or Trading:
Each runescape account should be used by only one person. Account sharing is not allowed and can result in a ban for any account that is deemed to be shared. This rule helps protect players from losing their account as well as runescape items from so called 'friends' that are only interested in helping themselves to whatever they can grab and sell for profit. Never reveal your runescape password to help maintain your account security, even if it is to real life friends or relatives.

Rule 7: Using Third Party Software:
Jagex fobid players from using third party software in order to gain any unfair advantages. This will help protect account security as well as keep the game more fairly balanced. Many websites may offer runescape downloads or 3rd party client software that can result in a keylogger unknowingly being installed. By avoiding the use of any 3rd party software, players will eliminate this type of risk and help to protect their runescape account. However, there are some well known clients available that have been altered to comply with Jagex rules and are widely used by players - these are only safe if downloaded from the original source and not via untrustworthy sites. It is still better not taking the risks, so this rule should be closely observed.

Rule 8: Multiple Logging-In:
Players may create multiple accounts within RuneScape, however these accounts should not interact with each other in any way. If the accounts interact then it will be breaking this rule and can result in a ban. Each character created should be fully independent, although it seems harsh to not allow account interaction it prevents multiple people from playing the same account or creating numerous throwaway accounts that look to break other rules without accountability.

Rule 9: Encouraging Others to Break Rules:
Players must not encourage others to break any runescape rules. If players encourage or help others to break rules it is deemed they also broke the rule and are accountable for their actions - which can result in an account being banned. Common infractions of this rule include using obscene language to provoke others into reacting or attempting to convince players the runescape rules are different to what they actually are.

Rule 10: False Representations:
This rule is in place to help maintain the efficiency of the Runescape Customer Support. This means any ingame reports should be accurate and not simply a false report trying to get another player into trouble when they have done nothing wrong. In addition, sending abusive messages to Runescape Customer Support would be breaking this rule as well as requesting stat changes and free items.

Rule 11: Advertising Websites:
This rule is aimed at protecting players as there are many false fan sites for runescape that only encourage breaking rules or aim to spread keyloggers in order for the owner to gain access to other players' accounts. This rule is harsh on legitimate runescape fan sites as well as runescape clan sites, however, it is aimed at protecting the majority of players due to the actions of only a few rogue webmasters. A perfect case of a small number of people ruining things for the majority of players.

Rule 12: Real World Item Trading:
Runescape Items should only ever be exchanged for other items or services within the actual game and never traded for real life money or services. Jagex cannot track items traded outside the game and it is widely known that many people trading runescape money or items on ebay have been scammed out of the items - it is actually a criminal offense and punishable by imprisonment in most countries as it is 'online fraud'. Even further, it is technically theft of Jagex intellectual property rights and Jagex could look at implementing legal prodceedings in the future against people who trade runescape items or money for real world items, money or services. Although it would be hard to enforce.

Rule 13: Asking for Personal Details:
This rule protects the privacy of runescape players. There are a vast number of minors who play runescape and personal details such as real name, address or telephone numbers should not be requested. Many people may use such information in their recovery questions and if they did, this would compromise their account security as well as their privacy. If anyone requests such information you should advise them it is against the rules and if they continue to request the information then report them via the ingame report abuse feature. Normally this will result in the offending account being banned or being muted and unable to request any information ingame.

Rule 14: Misuse of Official Forums:
This rule enables more control of the content on the runescape forum and helps promote a more friendly and welcoming environment for new players as well as younger members of the community. It also helps protect all players as websites cannot be advertised and therefore less chance of computer security being compromised.

Rule 15: Advert Blocking:
Jagex request that players do not purposely block adverts appearing above the free version of the game as this has a direct impact on their revenue. It is one component of how they fund the free gaming environment. Simply put, to keep the free runescape game it is best to allow the advertising to run as it should not have any noticeable affect on your ability to play the game.