The exchange of OSRS Gold virtual currencies against real-world currencies can cause problems for a variety of online games, causing disruption to in-game economies, unbalancing player experiences, or turning games into Pay-to-win games. In RuneScape, the trade in its virtual gold has been a particular problem with bots extracting the resource, as well as claims that the capability to purchase 'bonds' in the game for real money amounts gambling.

Today, Jagex has laid out strategies to address the issue. In a new blog post with the name "The RuneScape Team", Jagex states that "gold purchased through RWT is a major issue in any online game featuring the possibility of trading currency" and, despite the fact that the "Anti-Cheating Team has been doing a lot in the fight against RWT sellers both in or out" however, they will be taking more severe measures from the moment it takes effect.

The company cites the "growing team and improved tools", Jagex says it is no longer only seeking out sellers of gold and resources with RWT but also buyers. The idea is to curb the demand and supply.

Jagex claims it will start sending "messages to those that we've identified who are involved with RWT" within "the next few hours". "For anyone who was involved, we'd like to make clear that this is your one or only warning" Jagex added.

Other measures that the developer may think of as punishment for RWT activities are expected to include wealth removal - essentially getting rid of gains that are not legitimately earned from players' accounts at the server level. It could also mean potential bans.

RuneScape's PvP feature, known as"The Duel Arena, will also see stricter rules implemented. Jagex states that the feature "has been a flashpoint for this kind of toxic behavior" and that 38 per cent of the bans issued for RWT activities up to now originate from this aspect which the players play. Jagex says this is equivalent to "thousands of osrs gp for sale bans every month".