So, the developer seems at taking the nuclear option, saying "we're looking in the long-term to OSRS Gold phase the Duel Arena out of RuneScape entirely." Until then, it will implement "some short-term steps" to improve PvP "until our development teams are able to deliver an important update that completely substitutes for the Duel Arena next year."

The rules will have a cap in the number of GP or gold points the players can wager on the outcome of a game at the Duel Arena. The players can wager "no over 50m GP for each duel". Further measures have not been detailed as yet.

Jagex says that "a completely new experience that will make up part of the Elder God Wars storyline" will replace Duel Arena in early 2022, but no further details are yet available.

While the effect of these changes is yet to be judged but they are among the most powerful measures any studio has ever taken to prevent external abuse of its systems in pursuit of real-world cash-flow. If they succeed, similar strategies are likely to be implemented across the MMO space in the coming years.

Jagex has announced that after 18 years as the main PvP battleground, Duel Arena will be going away from RuneScape and a new area to be created. RuneScape will launch Het's Oasis, with an all-new setting, new ways to earn skills and two mini-quests to experience.

Today marks the start of the Oasis Restoration game, players will be faced for the deconstruction of the Duel Arena following a cataclysmic earthquake that devastated the arena. They will team up to make the scene from "a bloody pit of fighting, where legends have staked their fortunes through one-on-1 matches for a quiet oasis."

The players will work to rebuild the area and perform daily tasks that earn them rewards based on their progress. The participants in the community event will receive special event rewards like a brand-new the crocodile's pet, a title outfits with osrs gold site desert themes, and "Gators" footwear.