RuneScape Developer Jagex Names Jon Bellamy as New CEO

Alright, let’s dive into some big news from the RuneScape world—Jagex just shook things up at the top. Phil Mansell, who’s been steering the ship as CEO since 2017, is stepping down after over a decade with the company. Taking his place? Jon Bellamy, and he’s already hyping up his “broader vision” for the game. Can’t wait to hear what that’s all about, right? Change is in the air, and as a RuneScape vet myself, I’m curious to see where this ride’s headed.

Phil’s exit comes after a bit of a rollercoaster. Remember that membership model fiasco? Yeah, the one that had the community up in arms. Jagex floated this wild idea to tweak paid memberships, and it landed like a lead balloon. Phil owned up to it, calling the whole thing “clumsy and inconsiderate”—props for the honesty. He admitted they didn’t really stop to think about how it’d hit you, the players. After the backlash, they scrapped it faster than you can say "abyssal whip." Been there, seen that—those moments when devs miss the mark but course-correct are why I still stick with this game.

Passing the Torch

In a statement, Phil Mansell shared his bittersweet feelings about stepping down as Jagex’s CEO:

After an incredible 14 years leading RuneScape and 8 years as Jagex’s CEO, I’m stepping back and handing over the baton to Jon Bellamy.

Working alongside such a talented and passionate team, we’ve significantly grown the Company and player community, cementing Jagex as an innovator in community-driven games and genuine leader in this industry.

As the Company embarks on its next chapter, I am delighted to be handing over to a leader who I know cares about our games and business as much as I do – and I look forward to supporting him as he builds upon the strong foundations we’ve created.

Bellamy chimed in with a similar vibe:

It’s a great honour to assume the leadership of Jagex and to help steward a game franchise that means so much to so many millions, myself included. I am also excited to get to work with the outstanding team, whom I know well from my time on the Board, to ensure our games continue to be the best in the world.

I plan to spend some time now with the team, reviewing our ambitions for Jagex, and plan to communicate my broader vision to the RuneScape community in the near-term.

Oh, and let’s not forget the buzz last year about a potential billion-dollar buyout. That chatter had us all speculating—new owners, new direction? But it fizzled out, and Jagex kept trucking along. Now, with Jon stepping in, it feels like a fresh chapter. I’ve sunk way too many hours into RuneScape to not get a little excited about what’s next—maybe some quality-of-life updates or fresh content to grind?

So, what’s Jon Bellamy got up his sleeve? No clue yet, but if he’s smart, he’ll keep you—the lifeblood of RuneScape—at the heart of it. Phil’s tenure had its highs and lows, but he’s leaving behind a game that’s still kicking after all these years. Here’s hoping Jon’s “broader vision” means more epic adventures for us. Stay tuned, because RuneScape’s next move could be a game-changer—pun intended.

Jagex (Part-Time)

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Pixion Games

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