Andrew Gower, creator of RuneScape and founder of Jagex, is back with a new game in the classic MMO style that he’s been working on for 10 years.

Free-To-Play Without Microtransactions

Developed by Fen Research, Andrew Gower’s new studio, they are working on a new MMO video game, with which they have shared in a press release confirming that they have been working on this project for a decade, using a new graphics engine called Fenforge.

Aware that this title will be released on PC later this year, specifically on Steam, so there is a possibility that it will be compatible with Steam Deck, it should be noted that, according to the words of its creator, it is a video game heavily influenced by RuneScape, as it is a version they have defined as smoother and more enjoyable, aiming to not be as tedious as is often found in MMOs, which translates into having designed the game to avoid grinding at all costs.

No Mages, Rogues or Warriors

Likewise, this game will follow the games-as-a-service model, so it will be released completely free, but with an optional premium pass, which will prevent continuous microtransactions seen in the most modern MMOs and, according to Gower, are holding back the genre.

Breaking from the traditional classes of mage, rogue and warrior, Brighter Shores players will be called upon to choose from three new options: Cryoknight, Hammermage or Guardian. While players will revel in the nostalgia of the diorama art style, they can expect a number of new and exciting twists on the genre.

Anti-Grind

With a wealth of experience within the genre, Brighter Shores developer Andrew Gower is very familiar with both MMO charms and flaws. He’s passionate about improving MMORPGs as we know them, reducing the ‘grindy’ gameplay often found in the genre through innovative game design.

“Creating this game has been a real labour of love. At times it has felt like an insurmountably ambitious task, so it’s amazing to finally see it coming together in the way I hoped. I can’t wait to see the world full of players enjoying what we have created.”

The studio has remained dedicated to providing hours upon hours of content for free. An all-inclusive premium pass will also be available for those seeking extra quests, adventures and stories, with regular updates planned beyond Brighter Shores’ release later this year.

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