Runefest – Bringing the World of RuneScape to Life
Runefest – Bringing the World of RuneScape to Life
Client Overview
Jagex is a British video game developer, best known for RuneScape, a multiplayer online role-playing game with a huge global community.
EPH Creative has supported Runefest since 2014, initially working through the event agency Multiplay. EPH developed a great relationship with the team at Multiplay, working on multiple large scale gaming events. When Jagex brought event management in-house, they continued to work with EPH for both internal activations and Runefest. After a Covid pause, Jagex approached EPH directly in 2024 to help revive Runefest, the first full-scale event since 2019, and return it to its former glory.
The Brief
To create an immersive, recreation of Varrock, a village within the RuneScape universe. The experience needed to fully engage the RuneScape community, combining in-game accuracy with real-world interactivity.
Jagex wanted spaces that reflected the game’s environment and story, complete with interactive skill chip games that allowed attendees to earn in-game-style chips to ‘purchase’ exclusive merchandise. The event also required collaboration across multiple suppliers, from AV and live streaming to venue logistics, and a major overnight turnaround between event days added to the challenge.
Our Approach
With a deep knowledge of the Runefest brand and gamer expectations, we worked in collaboration with Jagex to shape a world that was immersive, functional, and true to the RuneScape world.
- We developed full 3D renders of the space to visualise guest flow, theming, and gameplay mechanics
- Every design element was game-accurate, right down to the brick patterning on the castle facade and jewel details in the jailhouse set-up
- We created dedicated skill chip game zones, themed installations, and set pieces using a blend of rental stock and custom builds
- From the earliest concepts to on-site delivery, EPH provided design, build, project management, installation, and live support
- Using our experience gained from past gaming festivals like Final Fantasy FanFest, we also advised on layout optimisation, and flow design
The Outcome
- 3,000+ tickets sold
- Initial enquiry: May 2024
- Delivered: February 2025
A standout build was the Grand Exchange, a key trading hub in the game, recreated using adapted rental items, RuneScape-themed drapes and flags, all centred around a large, curved bar. This not only offered a practical event space but captured a fan-favourite moment from the game in real life.
When a last-minute shift meant transforming a space overnight into a new Community Zone, our team delivered within hours, providing a beautiful backdrop for fan content and community sessions.
Client Feedback
“It exceeded any expectations I had of how it would look by a million miles. We’ve had so much positive feedback on the set design – it felt incredibly high production value and world-class in the world of immersive events.
It truly felt like we had stepped into Varrock, and I know many players were incredibly moved by having their childhood dreams realised. The community zone you created in a few hours early Sunday morning, looked fantastic and provided such a lovely backdrop to our community events. Just rave reviews all round from players, staff and attendees!
“Thank you so much for all of your unbelievably hard work on our project and for working so closely with our staff to make sure everyone was comfortable and happy on skill chip activities. It’s been an absolute pleasure from beginning to end, your team couldn’t have been more accommodating or easier to work with. I really hope we get the chance to do it all again and go even bigger this time!”
Jagex Events Team
Why it Worked
- We were able to provide an experienced team with extensive experience within the gaming and fan-event space.
- We have a long-standing knowledge of Runefest and how to design for gamer audiences.
- We are trusted by the client to make creative and practical decisions, especially around theming and lighting.
- Our strong collaboration with key partners like AV Matrix ensured the right tech and atmosphere throughout.
What's Next
Following the success of Runefest’s return, we’re already in talks with Jagex for the next edition, and also exploring exciting opportunities for internal events and future fan activations.
Inspired by this transformation?
Let’s build a world your audience will never forget.
Ready to bring your next immersive event to life? Contact the EPH team today on 01937 222 777.
Subscribe for email inspiration
Want to find out how EPH can help bring your next event to life?
Related Posts
