Sailing introduces a whole new dimension to Old School RuneScape, presenting players with an open-world utility skill that ventures into uncharted waters. The familiar realm of Gielinor expands to the vast ocean, providing adventurers with a fresh avenue for exploration and adventure. As players progress, they will ascend to the rank of captain, commanding their own vessel, discovering new islands teeming with activities, and assembling a crew of dedicated NPCs. The customization and upgrading of ships and the incorporation of useful facilities add layers of depth to the gameplay. Ultimately, the journey will lead to exploring the ocean’s deepest and most perilous expanses. But this is just the beginning of an odyssey filled with untold discoveries and untamed challenges.
At Jagex, community involvement has been at the heart of the Sailing project from its inception. Developing a new skill is not a solitary endeavor but a dynamic process that evolves, shaped by the collective input of OSRS’ dedicated community. The incredible journey of Sailing would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the players.
Behind the scenes, extensive discussions have been underway, considering timelines, resource allocation, and various other factors pivotal to the development process. A project of such magnitude necessitates careful consideration of staffing, community preferences, alpha/beta testing strategies, and more.
Playtests
Open betas and playtests are integral to our iterative development process, allowing players to experience the content firsthand and offer invaluable feedback. In 2024, players can anticipate multiple opportunities to participate in Sailing playtests. While specific dates are yet to be finalized, these beta tests will be contingent upon engine updates and internal acceptance criteria.
The inaugural tech alpha, slated to launch as soon as our engine capabilities allow, will focus on refining the navigation experience. Jagex aims to ensure players feel comfortable and engaged while traversing the seas. Upon successful development, early-game content may also be available for testing during this phase.
Subsequent open betas will delve deeper into various aspects of Sailing, encompassing Ship Customization, Crew Management, Capsizing, and Ship Combat. These betas will provide a comprehensive preview of the features, offering players a glimpse into the rich tapestry of gameplay that Sailing offers.
Furthermore, a second open beta, billed as a ‘Sailing demo,’ will showcase additional gameplay mechanics, secondary gameplay elements, and curated islands and points of interest. This beta, scheduled closer to the launch date, will significantly influence the release expectations.
Player participation in these betas is paramount, as their feedback shapes the development course. Exact dates for these playtests will be communicated once we are confident in meeting our internal acceptance criteria, which includes feedback from invite-only playtests. Additionally, Jagex remains open to conducting additional betas should the need arise, providing ample opportunities to refine and enhance the Sailing experience.
If you want to participate in any of the playtests, keep in mind that Jagex never pays their playerbase for playtests or betas, so this does not represent an opportunity to obtain additional OSRS GP, membership, or other benefits but represents a chance to give your feedback and shape the future of the game.
Sailing Development Milestones
The Sailing development roadmap delineates nine core milestones, each representing a crucial stage in the skill’s evolution. While the duration of each milestone remains subject to variability, we aim for an optimistic timeline of 1-2 months per milestone, contingent upon the scope of work involved.
With Sailing now past the lock-in stage, Jagex is poised to scale up our development resources. Two dedicated development teams will spearhead the Sailing project, ensuring a focused and streamlined approach to implementation. The Vanguard team has already commenced work on Milestone 1, which encompasses core gameplay mechanics such as Navigation, Designing the Sea Layout, and Boarding, Moving, and Using a Ship. Additionally, the Vanguard team will oversee primary and secondary gameplay aspects later in development.
Another development team will join the project in early 2024, tasked with fleshing out Islands and Points of Interest, devising new training methods for existing skills, crafting island content and resources, and conceptualizing quests. Community consultation will precede development in these areas, ensuring alignment with player preferences. Recent community engagement initiatives, such as the Game Jam blog, have provided a glimpse into preliminary ideas for Sailing content.
Each development team will prioritize different forms of feedback. While the Vanguard team will focus on feedback from playtests, the Island Development team will emphasize design feedback from blogs and polls.
Discover the advantages and perks of opting for custom web development services, tailored to meet your unique business needs and goals.
Community-Led Design
Community involvement remains central to the Sailing project, allowing players to shape the skill’s content and aesthetics. Several community contests are on the horizon, inviting players to design the Sailing skill icon, Skill Cape, and even player-designed islands.
Further details about these contests will be provided as they approach, so be sure to keep an eye out for announcements and OSRS accounts for sale in case you don’t have one ready for sailing yet.
Milestone 1 Progress
Milestone 1 is currently underway, focusing on navigation and core mechanics essential to laying the foundation for the skill. Significant progress has been made in several areas, including core infrastructure, ship infrastructure, gameplay mechanics, and design. Screenshots showcasing the development progress have been shared, offering players a glimpse into the evolving landscape of Sailing. The remaining tasks for Milestone 1 include finalizing content, refining engine functionalities, and addressing miscellaneous bug fixes. Once completed, Jagex will be well-positioned to launch the first navigation tech alpha, marking a significant milestone in the development journey of Sailing.