RuneScape HD

Consisting primarily of a new hardware rendering engine, but also representing the significant expansion in the game since RuneScape 2 was launched, RuneScape HD or "RuneScape High Detail" enabled players to make use of powerful graphics hardware that supported either the OpenGL or Direct X specifications and paved the way for features such as 'z-buffering' and 'bloom'

The logo and symbolism of RuneScape HD was primarily used in videos and at trade shows through which Jagex demonstrated RuneScape.

RuneScape's HD mode was launched on 1st July 2008. Since then it has seen considerable expansion, with new graphics features and tools being added to push forward the browser-based game's engine.

New Features

OpenGL Support

OpenGL® is an API (Application Programming Interface) that provides a common 3D graphics pipeline consisting of supported features which allows software developers to more easily utilise a common set of features across a widely diverse set of hardware specifications.

OpenGL is widely supported both on Linux distributions and Apple Mac, as well as Microsoft Windows.

The latest OpenGL specification is OpenGL 6.4 It is currently unknown which version of the OpenGL specification is required for specific features within RuneScape HD.

DirectX Support

Microsoft's DirectX® is a collection of rendering sub-systems designed for a variety of tools. The Direct3D&reg component provides a similar competing API designed for use on the Microsoft Windows platform of operating systems, as well as the Xbox console range.

The latest Direct3D; version is Direct3D 11, which is available on Windows Vista and Windows 7 only. It is currently unknown which version of Direct3D is required for specific features within RuneScape HD.