Runescape Dev Tracker

(2022) Mod Raven has left Jagex after 15 years. Good luck, you magnificent man!

This thread was added on October 04, 2022, with posts from darkhearted_raven, Shaunyowns.

Thank you.

It's been a hard decision, it really has. I love RS and I love working for Jagex, but some opportunities come along that you can't turn down and this was one of them. I'll still troll from time to time, but it's going to be strange not being Mod Raven any more.

60052

another jagex exodus?

No. Pure coincidence that a few of us have chosen a similar time to leave. In my case it was that an opportunity I couldn't refuse came up and... well... I couldn't refuse it.

Ssamy30

Wish you the best!

<3

InquisitorDA

One of the best mods and I remember meeting him at a Runefest one year.

<3

5-x

Big loss for the game. Raven was the invisible force behind so many absolutely fantastic things for this game, it's difficult to recall them all. Hybrid armours. Player-owned ports. Herblore habitat. Prifddinas. The Light Within. Player-owned farm. Good luck on your future journey! /u/darkhearted_raven

'Tis a sad day, unless you're a Signature Hero ;-)

<3

GherkinEnthusiast

Out of curiosity, are JMods head hunted for other dev studios?

Sometimes, sure.

GInTheorem

Sad to see you leave, but what an incredible legacy you're leaving behind you! Thanks!

<3

Tom-Pendragon

All the "raven" lore and memes....oh god

I mean.... there's still more to come. :P

FireTyme

holy that hits hard tbh. really scary for the games future. thanks for the great times the past few years u/darkhearted_raven, you definitely was one of the GOATs 🐐

Honestly, the game's fine and the future looks fine too. The team is still excellent and still looking to make great content. The lore council still has awesome story plans going forward.

Sure, more NPCs may survive and avoid torture, but I wouldn't worry about the game, it's in good hands. :)

VoidAdept

I can understand that. In hindsight you where subtly hinting this on Twitter the last few days. Still, nothing can prepare for such an announcement.

Your departure amarks the demise of what I call the JMod Holy Trinity - the three mods that defined RuneScape's Silver Age: Mod Shauny, Mod Osborne, and you Mod Raven. Things will never be the same again.

But we shouldn't be sad. We should praise your works, bless your future endeavours, and look to the future!

Don your Ravensworn Capes, lads. A legend is moving on.

<3

Of course there's at least one more Ravensworn easter egg on its way. ;)

Borgmestersnegl

Is it related to writing?

Eh, ish. I'm going to be a Lead Narrative Designer at a different studio. So there'll be some writing, but predominantly shaping lore and story in a more formal capacity.

But, I am sending my novel out to agents at the moment, so you never know. :D

Skoyorr

Ravenmancy confirmed!?

Absolutely... I mean... no....

RS3_Philosophy

Thanks so much for all the fantastic contributions you've made to RuneScape. Really sad to see you go, but really happy you're moving on to something awesome!

<3

TwilightBl1tz

Best of luck to you Raven! Let us know what's happening with these secretive opportunities!

<3

Zx-54

Well good luck on your next adventure, adventurer!

<3

Privasea

Sad to see you go Raven, all the best with whatever comes next!

<3

Zinex1766

Hah, I still remember you from the Arcanist/Funorb days.

All the best mate

<3

Agreeable-Option-466

NOOOO!!!! WE LOST RAVEN!?!?!???!! God this hurts more than words can describe and convey. So so so happy for him, but what an incredible loss. Holy crap!!!! I wish you nothing but the best, and thank you for everything Mod Raven!

<3

xBHx

One if not my fave mods I got to see on screen.

Hope the future brings what you expect it to bring.

Now fly away, captain.

<3

Kuagari

Your content was great and you were a huge Influence on Runescape.I am sad to see you go but i wish you the best for the next part in your life, i am sure you will do some great Stuff.

<3

I won't ever forget the hours you put in off your own back to give Sliske's Endgame that extra polish it deserved, the quest playthroughs on stream we did of Nomad's Elegy, Kindred Spirits and just so much more.

You were an absolute joy to work with. <3

armcie

only this, and nothing more

I hope the final easter egg is something apoepriate.

And I have to ask, who has the Mod Nancy protector of the penguins mantle passed onto now?

All the lore mods

Yubel124

I will miss you so much. You and mod osbourne's passion for the lore is what got many of my friends to stop spacebaring and actually enjoy quests. I hope our dark lord finds a happiness in where ever life has taken him.

<3

UristMcStephenfire

That's really cool, congrats! I hope the next step in your career is filled with fun and exciting new worlds.

<3

GherkinEnthusiast

Meanwhile... FSW

Is doing pretty well. Has good engagement. Is a really good indicator of what can be done differently next time.

Sure it's had its hurdles, but everything starts somewhere.

TaerinaRS

I loved your work on quests, they were some of the most enjoyable content I've played in the game over the years, amongst all the other things you worked on too. Definitely one of my favorite J-Mods, absolutely liked content clips where you were present, loved your style. Hope you have a fantastic time in your next endeavors :D

<3

Shaunyowns

I won't ever forget the hours you put in off your own back to give Sliske's Endgame that extra polish it deserved, the quest playthroughs on stream we did of Nomad's Elegy, Kindred Spirits and just so much more.

You were an absolute joy to work with. <3

<3

Eplx

Mod Raven, the Mod of bringing lore right at ya the man of funny easter eggs and amazing detailed content. my best luck wishes to you. may your journey be smooth and full of more amazing lore and devloping.

<3

iHarryi

Could you do some audio books of questlines? Such a good story teller 😭

@raven

Haha, I'm not sure I'm an audiobook type. Though if my novel ever gets published I'll see if they'll let me.

mr_aives

Oh well one of the best mods of all times. The game is surely going to take a heavy hit, but of course one needs to prioritize what is better for their life. Wish them all the best!

<3

Any-sao

You will be missed! There’s something extra sad here, knowing we definitely won’t ever see your Rite of Passage quest!

Is there any chance they’d let you make it before you go? Just feels right that you had some sort of swan raven song.

The lore mods have promised to carry the RoP torch. They have my latest designs, and I've said they can always reach out to my new company to see whether I'm allowed to write any of it. :D

Cardinal338

I'll wear my Ravensworn title today o7

<3

Lenticel

I just learned that Raven was behind herblore habitat. It’s one of my favourite pieces of content!

I always hope new potions will pop up or the same model (untradable ingredients for tradable consumables) is used for new content.

Best of luck Raven! I promise I’ll find those birds in Prif one of these years.

<3

Spazhead247

I wonder what the average tenure of the employees who work on RS3 vs. OSRS looks like. It can’t be very high at this point

I mean... I was here 15 years... that's pretty good tenure wise....

Drakirth

Congratulations on the new opportunity, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors! Thank you for having such a positive impact on this game. I’m going to miss all your crazy antics and amazing Easter eggs!

<3

Keve321

Thanks for all your great work, you've been a treasure to have around for such a long time!

<3

Xtrapsp2

Glad to hear you're doing what's best for you. But holy shit is this game fucked without you.

Nah, there are a load of awesome devs at Jagex. I believe in them.

Mr_Jpg

Sad to see him go, but will in no way begrudge him. Has been part of some of the most fantastic pieces of the game during his time, so thank you and best of luck

<3

Svephen

Worst birthday present ever - godspeed, you incredible man, and all the best in your future endeavours.

Sorry for ruining your birthday. :D

Toad_Sage_Jiraiya

Thank you for 15 years of hard work on the game we all love! Best of luck in your future endeavors!!

<3

Spazhead247

No haha not you. It seems like all of the OGs are hopping out. Congratulations on your new path. Wish you all the best

<3

Golduin

Ravensworn is still my favourite in-game title. Respect and best of luck in your future endeavours!

There's at least one more ravensworn easter egg to come. ;)

Financial-Garbage-94

Ooh what’s the novel about please? Can we get a sneak peak or intro to it?

I’m an avid reader!

No sneak peaks at this stage. I'll share stuff if a publisher takes it up.

It's about found family, hope, self acceptance and superpowers. I describe it as "Misfits if the characters aren't all arseholes". :)

Dunamex

For the Ravensworn! šŸ—”

There is at least one ravensworn reference still to come. ;)

Bobbyduckjoe

He was at Jagex for as long as I’ve been playing the game. Sad to see him go but happy he has found something he is looking forward to. Wish him the best of luck with everything! o7

<3

FoaleyGames

Is it not mildly concerning that two veteran JMods are leaving within just as many days, in addition to those who have left in somewhat recent months (though I'm blanking on names so don't ask me, but correct me if I'm wrong)?

Honestly, it's entirely a coincidence. Seriously. I actually got the offer a couple of months back, but hung around to get some last things in place and finish the quest.

It's pure coincidence. Jagex is still doing well and there are some really cool things coming in the next few months/years so please don't assume something bad is going on. Pure coincidence.

Any-sao

So, the quest is on the horizon? That’s one bit of good news, but this doesn’t make me any less sad that you’re leaving!

Horizon does not mean "anytime soon". Just so you're aware. But they lore mods have promised to raise it at every opportunity. :D

apophis457

You and your content are what gave me hope after the departure of Mod Osborne, and your stories and mystery are what have kept my love for this game strong even in the days where I thought I was drifting away from it.

You’ll be missed, incredibly so. But I wish you luck in all your future endeavors, you magnificent troll, you.

<3

You're in good hands still, the lore council have some great plans. :)

caddph

Raven leaving, and we still don't have a Granny Potterington pet that rolls around behind us... truly this is the darkest timeline...

In all seriousness, big loss for the game, but glad Raven has a new and seemingly passionate opportunity in front of him. Hope to be able to use/play/see his content outside of RS in the future.

<3

You should totally pitch a Granny Potterington bobblehead the next time someone asks for pet ideas. ;)

asap_munem

Goodbye King

<3

DLBork

I'll miss you buddy, good luck with this next opportunity you got

<3

manDboogie

thank you so much for everything, especially the cabbages

huge congrats on your next opportunity! you were always one of the most infectiously joyful mods, so it's bittersweet and monumental loss for RS, but it's exciting to know that now even more people and the rest of the world get to experience the godly cabbagean greatness!

thank you tremendously for sharing these memorable years with the community, and safe travels on your new journey

o7

<3

Leaking_Soup

Thank you, friend, for all you've done for this game!

<3

SolenoidSoldier

Are you able to share where you're moving to?

Not for the moment. I'll tweet that nearer the time. Don't want to effectively advertise another company on here, would feel rude to Jagex who I still very much like. :)

Patrick_K_NL

Ka-kaw's out of respect

Ka kaw!

michael7050

I don't know how I'll be able to quest without equipping Ravensworn and obsessively checking for easter eggs anymore...

I almost had all the POF -sworn achievements too.

It won't quite be the same without you, Raven. It's always a loss to see a dev whose passionate about quests leave, but after 15 years it's more than understandable.

I hope you have a great time, wherever you're moving to!

Oh there are still a few ravensworn easter eggs to come. One of them isn't even my fault. :D

NadyaNayme

I wish you nothing but the best. The content you've worked on and delivered has consistently been some of the best work Jagex has ever put out. Your passion and care for the lore of the world and how player's experience it is second to none. When I saw your name as the director/lead or story for a piece of content I knew it would be good before ever even playing it.

You are leaving giant's size shoes to fill and the echoes of your footsteps will be heard for years to come.

<3

I have faith that the current dev team can fill my shoes. :)

Taste_Zaros

Sad to see you go, but i wish you the best on your future endeavors!

Talking for hours with you at Runefest with a group of passionate people was an experience i'll cherish forever. Your passion and experience strengthened my motivation to become a software developer.

<3

zac_is_bad

Good luck in your future endeavours and thank you for everything you have done

<3

ShoMeUrNoobs

Thank you for being an amazing troll and giving us such lovely content over the years. We will miss you dearly.

<3

FoaleyGames

Thank you for the reassurance, I’ve personally been on a bit of a break due to burnout from the comp(t) grind and other priorities in life taking precedent. Been a bit reluctant about any sort of return due to the recent issues that have arisen in the community.

Regardless, thank you for all you’ve done in creating a big piece of my childhood. Questing has been my favorite aspect of RuneScape since I started playing back in ā€˜08. Good luck on your next adventure!

<3

TheSaucyCrumpet

Thanks mate, you've always been a real joy to interact with, and thank you for all the time and energy you gave us, and thanks again for the beers at Runefest, can't believe that was nearly 10 years ago!

<3

makethemoonglow

I'm gonna miss you, granny Raverington! <3

<3

rafaelloaa

"to come" as in not yet added to the game, or in game but not yet found?

Not yet added to the game. :)

leakar09

Best of luck in your new job. you have made a big impact on the game, in my opinion. Your story has brought you through many parts of Runescape creation (from support to development). i will be sad to see you go.

<3

rafaelloaa

Something to look forward to from our glorious overlord even after he has left.

Wishing you all the best on your future endeavors, and may Zaros have mercy on your future victi... I mean creations.

<3

Revent7

This means characters in the game are finally safe in the quests, right? Right...?

Lol, no :D

neon_lighters

Thank you for getting smart and leaving a sinking ship.

No, I don't think that's fair. Jagex has some great plans and some really cool content ahead of it. Sure, not everyone may agree with some of the recent decisions, but they honestly may lead to some really cool stuff for the whole community.

The remaining dev team is awesome and I expect to see great things ahead.

I'm leaving not because _of_ Jagex, but simply because I was offered a rare opportunity that I've been after for years.

The ship is fine, the deck is dry.

nevvertheless

Good luck and thanks for your service

<3

Mediocre-Statement45

You will be dearly missed Raven, but, as they say, all good things must come to an end. It just feels... Sigh too soon.

<3

redgroupclan

Man, Ravens probably one of the only mods left who worked on content back when I still actually played the game. For some reason I still hang around this sub. Good luck on your future endeavors! Thanks for the good times I had back in the day.

<3

eqtrans

Here's how Rite of Passage can still happen:...

Goodbye our dastardly foul monster of darkness

<3

Ultimaya

So long deary, and thanks for all the stories! I'm excited to read your book

<3
I've got to get it published first. :D

Comfortable_Lie_9879

Thank you for an amazing fifteen years Raven, I’m quite certain you can claim a cape from a guy named Hans in downtown London.

<3

Dav1959

Does this mean we get a special raven that gives us an item with the ability to turn into any of the ravens in Gielinor similar to how we got the Goebie one for Shauny? /s

No more Ravensworn content, no more hidden ravens around the world mysteriously alluding to something.. Truly a sad day for the lorehounds of the world.

May you fly onward to whatever new opportunities you managed to snag. o7

There's still some ravensworn content to come, don't you worry. :D

zenyl

Really gonna miss Raven, he's been behind a ton of good updates and lore. With a delightful mix of silly humor, and dread as characters are killed off, he truly was our very own George R. R. Martin.

This ravensworn bids the dark Overlord Raven goodbye, and wishes him all the best in the future.

PS: The hope for Rite of Passage will never die!

<3
The lore council have promised to carry the RoP torch for me.

Vengance183

This might be the biggest loss for Jagex ever.

<3

MrDanielRS

Truly heartbreaking to watch you go Mod Raven :(

I really hope the best for you, good luck forward!

<3

KawaiiSlave

This pains my heart, but at the same time if it pushes him forward and has a good outcome then I wish the best. I'll always remember the ingame lore, and Easter eggs that feature him every time I see them. I still remember meeting the man himself at Runefest too. Gl in the future!

<3

Jaysiim

This saddens me deeply. Raven was one of the only Mods who had that outward disposition that really showed how dedicated and how much he truly loved the game. For sure there are other mods that feel the same, but Raven was such an iconic person within the community as well. Filling his boots is not going to be an easy task.

<3
We have some fantastic devs in the team still, I have full faith in the future of RuneScape. Some great content on the way as well. :)

Lp_Baller

Respect for mark on the game. I will be getting a raven tattoo.

<3
Tweet me if you do :D

Zeck683

you absolutely slayed when it came to making stories for this game hope you left the lore in this game in good hands best of luck on your new opportunity brother

<3
I have faith that the lore is in good hands. :)

Brennain-

Thank you for everything good sir!

<3

Periwinkleditor

Looking back on their wiki page https://runescape.wiki/w/Mod_Raven Holy crap, what a legacy. All the best Daemonheim Sagas, One of a Kind, the Battle of Lumbridge, Barrows, Fate of the Gods, SLISKE'S ENDGAME! And of course, the Ravensworn. Won't be the same without you, Mod Raven!

<3

Lopendebank3

Nononononononononono ☹ I will miss you šŸ˜– I hope you have a good next career!

<3

Agreeable_System1896

You will be missed. At least to me you have been the best jmod we've had for years and years and I know you care about the game, and any update you've been apart of has clearly shown that. Thank you for everything you've done for the game and I wish you the best of luck in your new endeavors!

<3

The game is in good hands, the devs definitely care about it. Have no fear there. :)

gdubrocks

Thanks so much for your passion!

You will be missed!

<3

Love_Hammer94

Farewell to the first Ravensworn!

<3

dkg93

You will be missed! Hope the best to you on your new endeavours!

<3

Lurking_Bad

A real shame, hope it works out for you Raven.

<3

Me too lol :D

Superjak45

Thanks for everything, Mod Raven. Good luck with all of your future endeavours

<3

The_Wkwied

Bird is the word, I'll miss your dark humor and lore.

To a good future šŸ»

<3

lady_ninane

A fucking legend is leaving today, pay your respects.

We'll miss you Mod Raven.

<3

pacquan

This may have killed any desire I will ever have to return to playing RS. Runescape just lost an icon and pillar of whatever stability they had left. Those are some absolutely massive shoes to replace, but that would be a disservice to Mod Raven to say that he is replaceable. I'm glad that these JMODs I still have respect for are furthering their careers, by moving up in the world. I hope you the best Mod Raven in your future endeavours. Whatever company you're moving to has no idea what kind of GOAT they just picked up.

<3 Thank you so much for all the love and care you have put into RS over the years. Even in the worst timelines where Jagex updates are falling apart, I always knew that any update touched by Mod Raven was worth sticking it out for. <3

<3

Don't give up hope just yet, there's some really great content around the corner. Keep your eyes peeled for some epic stuff incoming.

The_Aviansie

Oh, wow. This is the end of an era. Legitimately I never thought I’d see the day. Although I have pretty much quit Runescape and don’t have the same passion for it I once had, it still has a special place in my heart on some level. And you were a big part of it. From the epic and dramatic Sixth Age Serious Business quests to the very touching Pride event this year, you were a major part of what made me love this game.

I wish you the best of luck with the next chapter in your life, and I’m looking forward to seeing it.

<3

Aviarn

With whatever career you will pursuit next, make it shine!

I will do my best. :)

XyntakLP

I've loved how devious and mischievous you are for so long now as well as the incredible content you've helped produce. It's heartbreaking to see you go but I know you'll be loved wherever you are! Thank you for everything šŸ’œ

<3

Tymerc

Thank you very much for all the contributions you made to the lore over the years. Will miss you a bunch.

I'll miss you all too!<3

DPSOnly

You have been amazing for this game and will not leave the collective memory of the playerbase for a long long time. Thank you for all the amazing content. I assume this will mean there will be many less community loved NPCs that will die in quests coming up.

Nah, the lore council remains as bloodthirsty as ever. ;)

honkifufat

You may no longer bear the designation of Mod but, the gravity stands in place of your absence like a black rose in bloom. Some of us will always know you fondly. Mod Raven. Fair thee well friend. Thank you. :)

<3

strayofthesun

You and Mod Osborne are the major reason why I wanted to become a game designer so thank you for being such an inspiration, you helped me realize my biggest passion in life.

I cannot wait to see what you do next even though it wont be with Jagex

<3

Echliurn

You have an incredibly wonderful personality and your genuinely lovely character always shone even through text. You'll be missed, i'm genuinely glad to hear you've found an incredible opportunity to move onto, its very well deserved.

<3

Irualdemon

Sorry to hear but I wish you all the best on your future endeavours! You did contribute to lore magnificently. Ravensworn salute o7

<3

SonicSingularity

First Mod Lord and now Raven D:

I wish you the best of luck but I really am gonna miss you, you were my favorite Jmod

<3

VinceValeker

Cheers Raven. Some didn’t like your ā€œtrollingā€ or wit but i didn’t mind it since it brought something wholesome to the game. All the best to ya.

<3

kahzel

Who will fight the fight for Rite of Passage now :(

The lore team have all promised to carry my torch. I've given them my old design drafts and a bucket of Abbinah and Aviansie lore, so it's in good hands.

Zofistian

I've been on RS for 15 years and Mod Raven has always embodied the very best of Jagex, the soul of the game. I hope your future is brighter than ever, old friend.

<3

run-escape-3

Bye Brassica.

While bittersweet, there is a deliciousness to saying goodbye. For what value is a farewell without the nutritional value of friendship to give it meaning? For are we all not cabbages on the top of a hill, slowly rolling away from one another in the night?

Teakeh

Sad news, but I wish him the best.

<3

exboe

Not Raven!!!

All the best, hope you troll there too:)

I'll do my best. :)

Dry-Pen-3131

You truly left your mark on RuneScape. Your contributions will make sure you are always mod raven to us even if your leaving the company you helped make the game great

<3

GalacticKrabbyPatty

we just keep losing og jmods and it makes me scared for the games future.

don’t get me wrong, i’m happy they’re getting better career opportunities, but it’s bittersweet.

There is another way to look at it. Many of us have been there for over a decade. Think of the changes in your life over that time. The fact that we have stayed so long is a testament to the game. Most games companies, you move on after a year or two, for some of us we were there a short lifetime.

And, who knows, if the opportunity opens up again we might yet return. Who knows? :)

But do not worry that we are leaving, the game is in good hands and the devs remaining are awesome types. Look to Mod Rowley for storytelling, Mod Stu for puns, seek out Mod Zura for wholesome stories and seek thee Mod Ramen for badass boss fights. There are some amazing people still working there, think of it as we're stepping aside so that they can shine brighter.

Ex-Inferi

it's going to be strange not being Mod Raven any more.

You'll always be Mod Raven to us!

<3

the1975

And the ones we should avoid? šŸ‘æ

There are literally no devs I would tell you to avoid and I mean that with complete sincerity. The dev team are absolutely awesome and dedicated to making the game as good as it can be. Chat with them, enthuse with them, be cool with them and they'll be cool in return.

Leaving Jagex was the hardest decisions I've ever made because the people working there are genuinely some of the best people I have ever met.

SalePrestigious7742

So when can you answer all my xau-tak questions?

I could answer them now... but I won't :P

the1975

How's the decision so far?

So far so good. The company is nice. The game is super cool and I get to do world building which is one of my favourite things. So it's a good move so far. I miss Jagex, obviously, but I think it was a good decision to have made.

SalePrestigious7742

Well maybe you can answer just this one....do you really think you can save them?

P.S. I miss you!

I never thought I could save them. But let's be honest, I never even tried. ;)