Tell us about the history of your server. How did it all begin?
OldSchool RSPS began its journey in 2020 with the vision of creating a unique and engaging experience for Old School RuneScape (OSRS) enthusiasts. The initial launch was met with excitement, but as with any new venture, there were challenges to overcome. The server underwent two world resets, which allowed us to refine our approach and improve the server based on player feedback and our own observations. These resets were crucial for implementing changes that would enhance gameplay and stability.
By December 2023, we were ready to relaunch with a more polished and robust version of OldSchool RSPS. This release marked a significant milestone in our journey, as it incorporated lessons learned from previous iterations and brought new, innovative content to our players. The positive reception and rapid growth following this launch affirmed our belief in the server’s potential and the dedication of our development team.
What makes your server special and unique compared to others?
OldSchool RSPS stands out due to its commitment to providing unique, well-crafted content that cannot be found elsewhere. Our custom content is a testament to our creativity and dedication. One of the standout features is the Discovery skill, a completely original addition to the game. This skill involves players researching monsters from various classes, obtaining field notes or relics from these creatures, and then publishing their findings to gain experience points. This process adds a new layer of depth and engagement to the gameplay, encouraging exploration and learning.
In addition to custom skills, we offer a range of custom perks and game modes that enhance the traditional OSRS experience while maintaining the beloved artistic and mechanical designs of the original game. These customizations are designed to provide fresh challenges and rewards, ensuring that both new and veteran players find something exciting and engaging.
Are there any exciting updates or features coming to your server in the near future that players should look forward to?
Absolutely! We are constantly working on new updates to keep the gameplay fresh and exciting. Recently, we launched the final Desert Treasure II boss, The Whisperer. This addition has been highly anticipated and has already received positive feedback from our community.
Looking ahead, we are focusing on revising our PvP system to make it more balanced and enjoyable for players. This involves working closely with our Quality Assurance team to ensure that the changes enhance the overall experience without disrupting the core mechanics. Additionally, we are developing a new custom task system that will reward players based on various tasks completed over different time frames, such as hourly, daily, and weekly challenges. This system aims to provide consistent, engaging content that motivates players to log in regularly and participate in diverse activities.
What do you envision for the future of your server over the next year? Any big plans or goals?
Our vision for the next year is centered on continuous improvement and growth. We aim to provide content that is not only enjoyable but also fosters a strong, healthy community and a stable server economy. Some of our key goals include:
- Expanding Custom Content: We plan to introduce more unique skills, quests, and game modes that offer fresh challenges and rewards. This includes further developing the Discovery skill and exploring new concepts that add depth to the gameplay.
- Enhancing Player Engagement: We are committed to maintaining an active and engaged community. This involves regular events, updates, and open communication channels where players can provide feedback and suggestions.
- Improving Server Infrastructure: As our player base grows, ensuring the server’s stability and performance is a top priority. We will continue to invest in our infrastructure to provide a seamless gaming experience.
- Broadening Our Reach: Through strategic marketing and partnerships, we aim to attract new players and expand our community. This includes collaborations with content creators and exploring new platforms to promote OldSchool RSPS.
How did you personally get into server development and ownership? What inspired you to start your server?
My journey into server development and ownership began like many others in the RSPS scene, with a deep passion for RuneScape. I started playing RuneScape in the early 2000s, and this interest naturally led me to explore private servers around 2007. The unique features and community-driven nature of RSPSs fascinated me, and I soon found myself immersed in the development and management aspects.
By 2013, I was managing a large and successful RSPS, which gave me invaluable experience and insight into what makes a server thrive. After taking a brief hiatus from the scene, I returned with a renewed passion and joined the team at OldSchool RSPS. My goal was to help create a server that not only mirrored the classic RuneScape experience but also introduced innovative content that would keep players engaged and excited.
What obstacles have you faced in building and maintaining your server? How did you overcome them?
Building and maintaining OldSchool RSPS has come with its fair share of challenges. One of the most significant obstacles was managing the rapid growth following our latest release in December 2023. We reached over 1,000 players within a few weeks, which was both exciting and overwhelming. Our small staff team was initially stretched thin, trying to manage the influx of new players while maintaining the quality of service.
To overcome this, we quickly expanded our staff, bringing on dedicated team members to handle various aspects of server management and player support. This expansion was crucial in maintaining a high standard of service and ensuring that new players had a positive experience. Additionally, we implemented more robust server infrastructure to handle the increased load, ensuring smooth gameplay for everyone.
What is your biggest obstacle currently, and how do you plan on overcoming these challenges?
Currently, our biggest obstacle is balancing content creation with player satisfaction. We strive to keep existing players happy by continuously providing new and engaging content while also making the game accessible and enjoyable for new players. This balancing act requires careful planning and constant feedback from our community.
We plan to overcome this challenge by maintaining an open line of communication with our players. Regular surveys, feedback channels on Discord, and community meetings help us understand what our players want and need. By prioritizing updates and content that have strong community support, we can ensure that our development efforts align with player expectations.
Can you share any memorable moments or stories from the server that stand out to you?
One of the most memorable moments for me was witnessing the rapid growth of our player base shortly after the Beta release. We went from a few hundred players to over 1,000 active players in just a few weeks. This level of growth was something we expected to achieve over several months, so seeing it happen so quickly was both thrilling and challenging.
Another standout moment was the first time a player discovered one of our hidden Easter eggs. We have several Easter eggs hidden around the home location of OldSchool RSPS, and some of them still haven’t been found to this day. Seeing the excitement and sense of accomplishment when players find these hidden treasures is incredibly rewarding.
How do you engage with your community and ensure players have a positive experience?
Engaging with our community is a top priority for us. We have established a friendly and active Discord community, which serves as our primary platform for communication. On Discord, we post server updates, announcements, and provide players with a space to engage in conversation with our development team and each other. We believe that transparency and open communication are key to building trust and providing a positive experience.
We also host regular community events, such as giveaways, competitions, and special in-game activities. These events are designed to keep players engaged and foster a sense of camaraderie within the community. Our dedicated community manager plays a crucial role in organizing these events and ensuring that players feel valued and included.
Are there any community events or activities that you regularly host to keep players engaged?
Yes, we host a variety of community events and activities to keep players engaged. Our dedicated community manager organizes regular giveaways and competitions, which are announced in our events channel on Discord. These events offer a range of rewards, from in-game items and perks to OSRS GP.
We also hold special in-game activities, such as boss battles, treasure hunts, and skill challenges. These activities are designed to encourage players to participate and interact with each other, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. By regularly hosting these events, we keep the gameplay experience fresh and exciting for our players.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own game server?
Starting your own game server is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Here are some key pieces of advice:
- Clear Vision: Have a clear understanding of why you are starting the server and what you hope to achieve. Define your goals, such as a release date, target player base, and unique features that will set your server apart.
- Realistic Goals: Set realistic goals and timelines. Understand that building a successful server takes time, effort, and dedication. Don’t rush the process; focus on quality over speed.
- Technical Expertise: If you are not proficient in coding or server management, find a reputable programmer who has experience in developing RSPS content. Technical expertise is crucial for creating a stable and engaging server.
- Community Engagement: Build a strong community from the start. Engage with your players, listen to their feedback, and create a welcoming and inclusive environment. A dedicated and happy community is essential for long-term success.
- Marketing: Develop a marketing strategy to promote your server. Utilize social media, forums, and collaborations with content creators to reach a wider audience. A well-executed marketing plan can significantly boost your server’s visibility and player base.
How do you gather and implement feedback from your players to improve the server?
Gathering and implementing player feedback is a cornerstone of our development process. We have dedicated channels on Discord where community members can share their ideas and feedback about the server. These channels are regularly monitored by our Quality Assurance team, who review and vet the suggestions.
We prioritize updates and changes based on the level of support and feedback
from the community. This approach ensures that our development efforts align with the needs and desires of our players, leading to a more satisfying and engaging gaming experience. Additionally, we conduct regular surveys and hold community meetings to discuss upcoming features and gather direct input from our players.
Can you tell us about the team behind your server? Who helps you keep everything running smoothly?
Our management team is comprised of individuals with years of experience in the RSPS scene. Each team member brings unique skills and expertise to the table, allowing us to take a collaborative and comprehensive approach to server development and management.
- Developers: Our developers are responsible for creating and implementing the custom content and features that make OldSchool RSPS unique. They work tirelessly to ensure that the server is stable, secure, and engaging.
- Community Managers: Our community managers play a crucial role in engaging with players, organizing events, and fostering a positive and inclusive environment. They are the bridge between the development team and the player base, ensuring that feedback is heard and addressed.
- Quality Assurance Team: This team is responsible for testing new content and updates to ensure that they meet our standards for quality and performance. They also monitor player feedback and prioritize updates based on community support.
- Support Staff: Our support staff handles player inquiries, technical issues, and other support-related tasks. They are dedicated to providing timely and effective assistance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for all players.
What are some of your favorite features or aspects of your server that you think new players should definitely check out?
There are several features and aspects of OldSchool RSPS that we are particularly proud of:
- Chambers of Xeric: This raid is faithfully recreated from OSRS, with a custom challenge mode that offers unique drop rates. It provides an exciting and challenging experience for players.
- Theatre of Blood: This raid maintains the same feel as OSRS but includes a Hard Mode for those seeking an extra challenge. It is a favorite among our veteran players.
- Tombs of Amascut: This content is 1:1 with OSRS, offering an authentic experience that our players love.
- Ying-Yang Mode: This unique game mode allows players to share all stats and XP gained in any skill with a partner. It encourages collaboration and adds a new dynamic to the gameplay.
These features, along with our custom skills, perks, and game modes, provide a rich and varied gaming experience that both new and veteran players can enjoy.
How do you stay motivated and passionate about maintaining and improving the server?
Maintaining and improving OldSchool RSPS is not just a job but a passion for us. The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction we get from creating something that players enjoy is a significant motivator. Here are some key factors that keep us motivated:
- Community Feedback: Hearing positive feedback from our players and seeing them enjoy the content we create is incredibly rewarding. It drives us to continue improving and expanding the server.
- Creative Freedom: Working on OldSchool RSPS allows us to explore our creativity and bring new ideas to life. The process of designing and implementing unique content is both challenging and fulfilling.
- Team Collaboration: We have a dedicated and talented team that shares the same passion for the game. Working together towards a common goal creates a supportive and motivating environment.
- Long-Term Vision: We have a clear vision for the future of OldSchool RSPS, and each step we take brings us closer to achieving that vision. This sense of purpose keeps us focused and motivated.
Are there any partnerships or collaborations that you’re particularly proud of or excited about?
While no specific collaboration stands out, we work with many individuals and platforms to broaden our server’s awareness. A special shoutout goes to all the YouTubers who consistently create amazing content for our server, helping to attract new players and engage our community.
These collaborations are essential for expanding our reach and building a strong, active player base. We are always open to new partnerships and opportunities that can enhance the OldSchool RSPS experience.
What role does player feedback play in the development and evolution of your server?
Player feedback is crucial to our development process. We aim to be as transparent and open as possible with our community, providing players with a platform to voice their feedback and concerns. This approach ensures that our updates and changes reflect the needs and desires of our player base, contributing to the server’s longevity.
We regularly review feedback from our dedicated Discord channels, conduct surveys, and hold community meetings to gather input directly from our players. This feedback informs our development priorities and helps us make informed decisions that benefit the entire community.
Can you share any fun facts or lesser-known details about your server that players might find interesting?
There are several Easter eggs hidden around the home location of OldSchool RSPS, some of which have yet to be discovered. Finding these Easter eggs provides unique rewards, adding an extra layer of fun and mystery to the game.
Additionally, our server has a rich history of community-driven events and memorable moments. For example, during one of our server-wide treasure hunts, players worked together to solve a series of challenging puzzles, leading to a thrilling conclusion and unique rewards for the winners.
How do you balance keeping the game challenging and fun for both new and veteran players?
Balancing the game to ensure it is challenging and fun for both new and veteran players is a continuous process. We achieve this by regularly adding new server content and revisiting player feedback suggestions on Discord to tweak or modify existing content. This ensures that both new and veteran players find the game engaging and challenging.
We also implement a variety of difficulty levels and game modes to cater to different play styles and skill levels. This approach allows us to provide a balanced and enjoyable experience for all players.
Lastly, what message would you like to send to the current and future players of your server?
We appreciate you all taking the time to play our server and welcome anyone to participate in this amazing community that has been built within OldSchool RSPS. Your support and feedback are invaluable to us, and we look forward to continuing this journey with all of you.
Thank you for being a part of the OldSchool RSPS community. We are excited about the future and can’t wait to share more adventures and experiences with you. Together, we will continue to build a vibrant and engaging gaming environment that we can all be proud of.
