Editor-in-Chief Darryl Gangloff tried out RuneScape's new Clan Citadel and Battlefield map editor features with members of the Jagex team.

Battlefields

Both Bridges and Yamada certainly wanted to show me the Clan Citadels, but they were audibly excited to switch gears and demonstrate the Battlefield map editor. Once I saw it in action, I immediately realized why they were proud of this feature. Using a variety of elements like walls, spikes, ice, flags and goals, players can create “essentially an infinite number of games.” Judging by the flexibility that the interface offers, that claim doesn't seem like hyperbole.

You start off with a blank grid where you can place up to 200 elements, with each element featuring a multitude of options. Let's say, for example, that you wanted to create a “capture the flag” map. You can build the “bases” and then choose where the flags spawn. You can decide whether PvP is involved or if you're simply trying to grab the flag from the carrier. You can select which skills will destroy the barriers and how susceptible they are to damage. You can choose whether the flag carrier can climb over agility obstacles. You can place monsters and manipulate their toughness and respawn timers. Every single element, even a simple wall, has a lengthy list of options that put you in complete control of their attributes.

Don't want to play capture the flag? That's fine. Why not use the ice element to create a small skating rink just for fun? On the opposite side of the spectrum, you could focus entirely on PvP and build the largest free-for-all deathmatch arena imaginable. Maps can range from single-player endeavors to huge clan vs. clan battles.

“We want to encourage creativity in our community,” Bridges said, noting that Jagex plans to host events and contests involving the Battlefield editor. He also mentioned that he's seen some impressive creations on YouTube, such as a “Maze of Death.”

Between Clan Citadels and the Battlefield, the game has come a long way from 2001's RuneScape Classic (which is closing its doors to new players in two weeks). As Bridges and Yamada finished the tour, they emphasized that they want to continue to be innovative and make RuneScape a cutting edge MMO. “Players show us what they want,” Bridges said. “They're the future. We're here to provide it.”

Darryl "Togikagi" Gangloff, Editor-in-Chief