Hi all, Runescape is a great game, and I admire the heck out of Jagex, so I don't want this to be interpreted as any disrespect to Jagex or Runescape. There are many reasons why Runescape is the most popular MMORPG in the Western World. Having said all that, I want to point you fine tip.it folks to a game my company, Iron Realms Entertainment, announced today: Earth Eternal. I think some Runescape players will really enjoy it. Some of the differences between Runescape and Earth Eternal: * Everybody can go and do everything in Earth Eternal. There are no artificial barriers set up between "paying" and "non-paying" members. I understand why Runescape does it, but we have been running small text MMORPGs/MUDs for almost 10 years, and we just really prefer to let people play for free and trust that they will support us financially if they like the game enough. No need to twist your arm. * Earth Eternal can be played full-screen. No more cramped window to play in. * Runescape requires no install to play. Unfortunately, this will not be the case with Earth Eternal, and I want to be up front about that. There will be a 6-12 meg download and install initially, and then the data will intelligently stream in the background. Or you can just download the whole thing at once if you prefer. We'll support whatever method you prefer. * Earth Eternal's graphics are much better. Again, I mean no disrespect to Jagex. I'm amazed at what they've managed to do under the restrictions of Java 1.1. It's very impressive, but it's almost limiting for them. Have a look at the initial art shots we've posted and you can judge for yourself: http://www.eartheternal.com/media.php I'm not trying to tell anyone that Earth Eternal will be better than Runescape. I'm just letting the Tip.it community know, respectfully, that we're developing an alternative, and that if they'd like to get in on a chance to join the alpha or beta, go to http://www.eartheternal.com and sign up for the Newsletter, which will give you a shot at the alpha and/or beta. If you like what you see, we'd really appreciate it if you'd tell your friends. Thanks! Respectfully, --matt
