'RuneScape' animated series in development at Lyrical Animation and Jagex

The popular video game franchise "RuneScape" is being developed as an animated series by Lyrical Animation and game developer Jagex, the companies have announced.

Jagex CEO Jon Bellamy announced the project at RuneFest in Birmingham, UK, on Saturday, according to entertainment news outlet Variety.

The series will be produced by Lyrical Animation and Charlie White's Meatier Productions. Further details about the project, including its storyline and release date, have not been disclosed.

"RuneScape" is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) franchise set in the medieval fantasy world of Gielinor. Players train skills, undertake story-driven quests and battle monsters while interacting with a global community.

Created by brothers Andrew Gower and Ian Gower, the franchise has grown into one of the most successful long-running game series.

Bellamy said the game's players had played an important role in shaping its world, characters and stories over its 25-year history.

"For 25 years, our players have helped shape 'RuneScape's' extraordinary world, its characters and its stories," he said in a statement.

"When we talk about the future of 'RuneScape,' we don't just mean games. We see huge potential to bring Gielinor to life in new ways, both for the millions who already know and love it and for a whole new audience," Bellamy said.

"It's early days, but we're excited to explore that potential with Charlie and the team at Lyrical Animation, and we wanted our players to be the first to know," he added.

White, who said he has played "RuneScape" for more than 22 years, expressed his excitement about working on the adaptation.

"I've been playing RuneScape and it's one of my favourite IPs ever. I'm so excited to be working with the team on the project," he said.

The announcement comes as the franchise marks 25 years of engaging players with its fantasy world, quests and characters.