In a controversial decision that has sent shockwaves through the RuneScape community, Jagex has scaled back its usual Pride Month content for both RuneScape and Old School RuneScape—prompting outrage from players and even internal staff. According to anonymous employees, the move was driven by fears of political controversy, with one insider accusing the company of “kowtowing to American conservatism” and invoking Trump-era cultural sensitivities.
CEO Cites “New Level of Risk”
Newly appointed CEO Jon Bellamy, formerly known as Mod North, defended the decision in an internal meeting, saying that “the pendulum is swinging back” and that Pride content is now “controversial in a way it didn’t used to be.” Bellamy claimed responsibility for the shift, citing rising anti-DEI sentiment and “the risk that I’m personally responsible to protect against.”
The company announced it would not add new Pride-related content this year. Instead, RuneScape would simply re-run last year’s Tales of Pride, while Old School RuneScape would cancel its mini-quest altogether.
Internal Resistance
Staff at Jagex did not remain silent. According to reports, many employees were blindsided by the sudden rollback. A group of developers signed an internal open letter in May, arguing that previous Pride events had no financial downsides and that much of the new content was already completed or near completion. Some even volunteered to finish the work on their own time.
“There was no revenue loss from previous events,” one staffer told reporters anonymously. “This is about fear and optics, not what’s best for the game or the players.”
Player Backlash
The decision ignited fierce backlash within the RuneScape community. Reddit threads filled with frustration, sarcasm, and disappointment. One highly upvoted comment summed up the sentiment:
“Thank you, Jagex, for validating the effectiveness of harassment and threats of violence.”
Many players see the move as a step backward, especially in a game that has long supported LGBTQ+ visibility.
Jagex Response
Despite the decision, Jagex maintains it remains an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. A public statement reaffirmed that past Pride content will remain accessible and that community-led marches and events are still encouraged.
The studio also stated it is exploring alternative ways to support Pride Month through partnerships and external initiatives. However, the in-game silence during one of the year’s most visible diversity celebrations hasn’t gone unnoticed.
The Bigger Picture
This controversy arrives during a turbulent time for DEI in the gaming industry. Many studios are scaling back public-facing diversity events due to rising political tensions and targeted harassment campaigns. Jagex’s internal struggle now mirrors a larger conversation playing out across the industry—one that asks whether inclusion is truly a priority, or simply a PR checkbox when convenient.
