"RuneScape: Making a World That'll Last For Decades"

"RuneScape: Making a World That'll Last For Decades"
With A. H. Bridges

Details:

RuneScape - it's an online game of swords and dragons, it's a virtual world of magic and adventure, it's a vast international community of players, and it's just turned 25 years old! So how does a computer game start as a family passion project, then grow into this stalwart of the UK software industry with passionate players across the globe, surviving and thriving in its third decade?

Online gaming may be big business now, but back when RuneScape began, no-one had much experience of how to write a computer game that people would still be playing together decades in the future. So how did the developers decide what to do? Which approaches have served well, and what might one do differently with hindsight? Why does the game have such eclectic antagonists, ranging from vampyric overlords to a disturbingly ambitious frog?

Ash Bridges, known to RuneScapers as "Mod Ash", has worked on RuneScape for over 22 of its 25 years, prior to which he was already a keen player and volunteer moderator in the game's community. In this talk, Ash will share highlights from the ongoing story of RuneScape, presenting steps - and missteps - along the epic journey of the game, its developers, and its community.

Ash Bridges is a Senior Product Manager at Jagex Ltd, the studio founded to develop RuneScape. Over the last 24 years, Ash has designed and programmed parts of the game, composed music for it, worked as a Quality Assurance tester and Customer Support agent, and served as a volunteer community moderator before starting work. Originally from Derby, Ash moved to Cambridge to study, then stayed after graduation to take a job working on RuneScape. When not at a computer, Ash plays the violin in orchestras around that city, and serves as a Trustee on the board of Cambridge and District Citizens Advice Bureau.

Venue:
Old Queens Head, Islington
44 Essex Rd, London
N1 8LN

Event Running Time:
(We recommend arriving at 5pm if you're eating) 
Doors from 5pm
Introduction: 5:45pm
Lecture: 5:50pm
Q&A: 6:30pm
Finish: 6:50pm

FAQs:

What is Pints of Knowledge?

Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond.

What happens at Pints of Knowledge?

At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting.

What if I don't drink alcohol?

No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable.

Can I attend without a ticket?

Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket. There is occasionally the option to purchase a ticket on the door for our sold-out events, but we cannot guarantee this.

Is there food available?

Yes, there is usually the option to purchase food at our events - please see each venue's menu on their website. If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts. In the unlikely event the kitchen isn't open, there will typically be an option to order in food from elsewhere or bring your own food.

Can I get my ticket refunded?

We issue full ticket refunds if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Can I get my ticket exchanged?

We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 48 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Is the event pet/baby friendly?

Yes, we allow pets and babies to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive.

Is the venue accessible?

All of our venues are accessible, besides the following: The Old Queen's Head, The Landor, The Alma, and The Morpeth Arms.