DarkScape is a New "Cutthroat" Version of RuneScape

The new game will focus on the "thrill of the kill."

Jagex has announced, and launched a new version of its popular PC game RuneScape. Called DarkScape, it's described as an "experimental sandbox MMO" that focuses on the "thrill of the kill."

DarkScape doesn't replace RuneScape, instead it exists alongside it, set in the same overall world as RuneScape, but with a "kill or be killed" twist.

"Featuring a surprising and treacherous world divided into low, mid, and high-risk regions, each with their own economy, players will have to decide how deep they travel into zones of maximum threat, where valuable resources and high-level content can be claimed," Jagex said in its announcement.

"Players will have to watch their backs yet work together to protect trade routes, hold resource plots, and form into bandit groups," it added. "Even Gielinor's cities, highly-protected citadels of commerce in DarkScape, aren't safe from PvP skirmishes. However, the further away from these rare 'safe areas', the more likely players will have to fight for their loot--and their lives."

DarkScape is the brainchild of senior producer Conor Crowley.

Developing a new take on the world of RuneScape, one where PvP gameplay rules supreme, has proved very exciting," Crowley added. "We spent time looking for a way to get DarkScape into the hands of players as soon as possible, so the game launching today is very much an experimental first step. That said, it will continue to evolve and further develop based on how players explore our fresh take on a deadly MMO experience."