Runescape creator reveals Brighter Shores, a F2P MMO 10 years in the making

Runescrape creator Andrew Gower today announced his upcoming free-to-play MMORPG Brighter Shores. The MMO has been in development for 10 years and will be released later this year for free on PC and Mac via Steam. Similar to Runescape, Brighter Shores will also have a premium pass that gives access to several benefits, released episodes, and more.

A land of magic, mystery, and a lot of professions

Players will start their lives in Brighter Shores as a town guard in the peaceful coastal town of Hopeport. However, a new threat across the entire world of Adothria pulls players into a new role to protect not just the town of Hopeport, but the entire world. The three starting classes in Brighter Shores are Cryoknight, Hammermage, or Guardian, a bit different than your typical Rogue, Mage, or Warrior starting lineup.

Like Runescape, professions are a big deal in Brighter Shores. So far nine professions have been revealed:

• Fisher
• Forager
• Chef
• Woodcutter
• Miner
• Alchemist
• Stonemason
• Merchant
• Blacksmith

According to the Steam listing, there are many more professions as well. But, there is fishing, so either way…I’m in.

“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.”

–Andrew Gower, Creator of Brighter Shores

Free-to-play with a Premium option

Even though Brighter Shores is a free-to-play MMORPG, it will also launch with a Premium Pass. According to the developers, there are hours and hours of content available for free. However, the Premium Pass grants access to more stories, professions, places to explore, and other benefits.

It appears all players—including free—will have access to the first two zones, Hopeport and Hopeforest. But to access the Mine of Mantuban and Crenopolis, the Premium Pass is required. You’ll also need a Premium Pass to have a unique character name, use exclusive armor dyes, the ability to change your name and partake in player-to-player trading.

Brighter Shores is set to launch on PC and Mac later this year.