Old School RuneScape developer Jagex announced it removed gender selection and added pronoun options in its character creator and makeover interface.
A screenshot from Old School RuneScape (2013), Jagex Ltd
The official Old School RuneScape X account announced the patch on August 14th writing, “GAME UPDATE: Grab your duo: Slayer Partners is back! Not only is this feature finally returning, but we’ve brought with it some fresh QoL!”
It added, “Plus some Poll 82 changes including the ability to wield certain tools in your off-hand.”
⚙️ GAME UPDATE ⚙️
🧑🤝🧑 Grab your duo: Slayer Partners is back! Not only is this feature finally returning, but we’ve brought with it some fresh QoL!
🔥 Plus some Poll 82 changes including the ability to wield certain tools in your off-hand.
🔗 https://t.co/RMmJySxtf9 pic.twitter.com/S1o1dD5Snz
— Old School RuneScape (@OldSchoolRS) August 14, 2024
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In the update notes, Jagex detailed, “In the updated Makeover interface, players may now choose between Body Type A and Body Type B, offering the freedom to pick either body type without the restriction of gender labels.”
Furthermore, it added, “To give you even more room for self-expression, you can now choose a preferred pronoun for your player character from the following options: He/Him, She/Her, or They/Them. You can also continue without selecting a pronoun, if that’s what you prefer. The game will use the default based on body type, similar to how it has always been.”
The developer did not stop there. It also added, “All facial hair styles can now be used with both body types.”
Screenshot of Runescape Changelog for August 14th
Former World of Warcraft Team Lead Mark Kern aka Grummz reacted to this update and also shared a screenshot showing what the Makeover interface now looks like in game.
He wrote, “They just ruined OG Runescape. Mandatory and unasked for update forces ‘body types’ and ‘pronouns’ onto players.”
They just ruined OG Runescape. Mandatory and unasked for update forces “body types” and “pronouns” onto players. pic.twitter.com/8DSrwcofC1
— Grummz (@Grummz) August 14, 2024
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In a follow-up Grummz responded to arguments that have been made in the past regarding the removal of gender from character creators. He wrote, “If Runescape patching an ancient game to have pronouns and bodytypes is such a big ‘nothing’ then why do it at all?”
If Runescape patching an ancient game to have pronouns and bodytypes is such a big “nothing” then why do it at all?
Oh, it’s optional?
Really…try making a mod on Nexus Mods that removes pronouns and see just how “optional” this trend is. pic.twitter.com/J5MZX8ygWg
— Grummz (@Grummz) August 14, 2024
What do you make of Jagex removing gendered options in its Makeover interface and adding pronouns?
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