Massively^™

If you weren't aware, the free-to-play browser-based MMORPG Runescape is being reborn as Runescape HD. That means players with computers capable of handling the graphics (and at this point that's probably all of them) will be able to enjoy Runescape with both improved visuals and at a full-screen setting. The visual upgrades consist of a new lighting system and procedural texturing system. According to Jagex, the game still runs at below 256mb of RAM on most machines and is very much an efficient title even with the upgrade. We have to admit it's a pretty impressive upgrade for a browser game. The official FAQ on the Runescape HD experience upgrade can be found after the cut.

Massively will have more information for you from our hands on time with the HD experience and new tutorial; expect details on that later today!

Today's the day for Runescape fans across the globe: the high details version of the game is now officially in Beta testing. Subscribers can jump into the full-screen, widescreen supporting, actually-pretty-darn-good-looking version of Runescape at will. Free players will be able to get the pretty after the Beta test is over. Full details on the new version are available in the official FAQ. If you're looking to get subscriber benefits, now's the time to do it. Folks signing up for the pay-version of the game will be paying about a buck more every month for the priveleage after the 4th of the August. All of these details are on the game's shiny new website, which they've rolled out for this special occassion.

If it seems like Jagex and Runescape have been in the news lately, you'd be right. The runaway success of this game is amazing to see, and the folks at Next Generation have a several-page exploration of the web-based game's history. The site talks with Paul and Andrew Gower, founders of the company, about their ambitions to take the accessibility and fun of a MUD and bring it to the web.

Make sure to click through below the cut for a full video presentation on the brand new HD experience.

Jagex, the developer of Runescape, has confirmed to IGN that they will be showing the next iteration of their popular free-to-play MMO at this year's E3. They have dubbed this version Runescape High Detail, referring to the game's fancy new graphical option.

Not a whole lot else is known about the the upgrade, other than what was reported by Jagex when they first talked about the high definition version of the game. This earlier news does make mention of a full-screen option which many fans should be pleased about. Thankfully, E3 and Jagex's grand unveiling are not too far away now, and we'll be able to see what this all looks like in action.