Jagex, the developer behind the long-running online multiplayer game Runescape, has announced plans to permanently remove its Treasure Hunter microtransaction system after players voted overwhelmingly in favor of its removal. The poll, launched as part of a community initiative to decide the future of monetization in the game, surpassed the 100,000-vote threshold well before its November 12 deadline.
The studio stated that the vote’s success will mark a turning point in Runescape’s approach to in-game purchases. According to Jagex’s announcement, “if we receive 100,000 votes or more, we’ll confirm our proposal as the future direction of the game.” The plan includes the full removal of Treasure Hunter features — “no more Paid Keys, Free Daily Keys, Quest Keys, or Daily Challenge Keys. It’s gone, forever,” the company said in its update.
Treasure Hunter, introduced over a decade ago, has faced persistent criticism from players for promoting pay-to-win mechanics. Jagex acknowledged these long-standing concerns, noting that the vote represents a commitment to restoring player trust and improving gameplay integrity. The developer also revealed that it would release “A Year Long Integrity Roadmap”, addressing key systems such as user interface design, onboarding, daily content, and combat balancing.
While the removal of Treasure Hunter will mark the end of most direct monetization elements, Jagex clarified that microtransactions will not disappear entirely. The studio plans to retain Bonus XP purchases as a way for players with limited playtime to maintain progression, while cosmetic items will remain available, albeit redesigned to align more closely with the game’s visual identity rather than flashy aesthetics.
Although the poll reached its target early, Jagex said the results would be finalized after the official closing date, with detailed patch notes expected afterward. Implementation will occur gradually through several updates in the coming months. The move has been widely viewed as a positive shift toward community-driven decision-making, with the company signaling that development on the new systems will begin “in the near future.”
Source: Runescape