Summary of "Why OSRS Will NEVER Get A New Skill! RuneScape's Cancelled Skills"

Why OSRS Will NEVER Get A New Skill! RuneScape’s Cancelled Skills

Storyline & Background

The video explores why Old School RuneScape (OSRS) has never successfully introduced a new skill despite multiple attempts. It focuses on the history of three proposed skills: Artisan, Sailing, and Warding.

OSRS relies heavily on a polling system where a proposed skill must receive at least 75% yes votes from players with a total level of 280+ to be implemented. Due to this high threshold and community diversity, new skills often fail to pass.

Failed Skill Proposals

Artisan (2014) A non-combat skill similar to Slayer but for crafting-related tasks. Players would complete tasks given by an Artisan master (e.g., making 100 vials) to gain Artisan XP. It included unique rewards like altered tools (usable without combat level requirements), trinkets, and skill-boosting clothing. The skill was criticized for being too ambitious, complicated, and potentially filled with dead content. Poll result: 56.6% yes (failed).
Sailing Teased for years and featured in an April Fool’s event in 2014, Sailing was inspired by RS3’s Player Owned Ports minigame. It combined multiple skills (smithing, construction) to build cannons, storage chests, and explore the sea. Sailing would unlock new areas like Atlantis and Fossil Island. It was seen as a solid skill that could bring nostalgic and fresh content. Poll result: 68% yes (failed by 7%).
Warding (Introduced at 2023 Runefest) A magic-based skill focused on creating and imbuing magical armor, weapons, and items. It was compared to smithing but for magic gear. The community is divided: some are excited for new long-term content, while others are concerned it’s derivative of RS3 skills like invention and divination. Its poll outcome remains uncertain.

Key Points on OSRS Polling & Community

Polling system:
- Requires 75% yes votes from players with total level 280+.
- This high bar causes many features to fail narrowly.
- Only three new skill ideas have been proposed in over five years due to the resource risk involved.
Community diversity:
- A wide range of player preferences makes consensus difficult.
- For example, the Agility skill, disliked by many, would likely never pass if polled today.
- Opinions can shift over time; some who voted no on Sailing now want it repolled after the Warding announcement.

Strategies & Suggestions for New Skills

Lowering the poll threshold to something like 60% yes votes could increase chances but is unlikely to happen.
Introducing demos or beta testing:
- Allow players to try a skill on beta worlds up to level 10 or 20.
- Require players to train the skill before voting to give informed opinions.

These methods might help the community better understand and accept new skills.

Conclusion

The video’s opinion is that OSRS will likely never get a new skill under the current polling system and community dynamics. Without significant changes to voting or development approach, new skills will remain unlikely. The fate of Warding remains uncertain but is probably another skill that won’t pass.