It has been a year since MechScape Worlds first went live. Coinciding with this, we’ve reached 30,000 posts on our forums. Celebrations for both events are taking place on the forum.

If you’ve been checking out the confirmed news section you would be up to date with MechScape. If not, here’s a quick status update:

• The forum gallery now has many more pictures than the gallery on the site. (Note: We are experiencing a few technical problems with the thumbnails at the moment)
• The release estimate for MechScape has gone from Q1 2009 (Jan-March), to March 2009, to Spring 2009 (Mid March-May)
• The game will be science-fiction and aimed at a more mature audience (21+)
• It will be using the same core technology as RuneScape, but will be more advanced
• It will probably have a similar free/member model as RuneScape (feel free to debate this on the forums)
• Jagex feel that they have learned many lessons from RuneScape and have planned it more in advance
• In addition to mechs it will most likely feature space bases and vehicles
• We are pretty sure that you will use the same login as RuneScape/FunOrb and be able to chat with people on the other Jagex services, but there will be no stat or item link between the games

Jagex also have intentions for another MMORPG (which we are calling ThirdScape) which might use micro-transactions and could be for multiple platforms. It is in quite early stages by the sound of it.

Q: Are you also planning more MMO products along similar lines to RuneScape, as that’s your speciality?
Geoff Iddison: You’re absolutely right, we’ve got a very, very big investment into another MMO.

Q: Would that be something you would start in Europe again and then filter into more markets across the globe?
Geoff Iddison: No, it will be launched in the US and Europe at the same time.

Q: Can we expect it to be launched this year?
Geoff Iddison: You can expect it early next year, Q1 2009.

Q: Is that the rumoured MechScape brand?
Geoff Iddison: I can’t say too much more, I’m afraid.

Source: MMO Week: Jagex’s Geoff Iddison, GamesIndustry.biz

Discuss this on the relevant forum thread.

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In other news, Jagex have announced that a new accelerated graphics mode is on its way for RuneScape. This bodes very well for MechScape’s graphics, discuss on the relevant forum thread.

Jagex’s Imre Jele stated in an interview that a “new MMO” will go live next year. Is this “new MMO” MechScape? My guess is yes

See the forum post for details.