Old School RuneScape (OSRS) stands out among MMOs due to its unique approach to player feedback and updates. Unlike most games, OSRS actively involves its player base in decision-making through polls, requiring a supermajority of 70% approval for proposed changes to be enacted.
This democratic approach can lead to interesting and sometimes unexpected outcomes, such as the recent debate over the volume of Nail Beasts, and loud monsters found in a minigame called Temple Trekking.
The controversy began with OSRS poll 82, which addressed potential changes to various minigames. One of the issues was the extreme loudness of the Nail Beasts in Temple Trekking. These monsters emit a sound that players describe as particularly jarring and disruptive. The poll asked whether the game should reduce the volume of these sounds, but the player base was divided on the issue.
Despite a majority of 59.8% in favor of quieting the Nail Beasts, the proposal did not meet the required 70% approval threshold and was thus rejected. Other poll items, including changes that would benefit the Nail Beasts’ dropped items, passed easily, demonstrating a mixed response to the changes proposed.
The response from the OSRS community to the poll results was filled with humor and irony. Some players expressed a desire for the monsters to be even louder, while others suggested elaborate changes to the game’s audio settings to accommodate the Nail Beasts’ distinctive roar. This playful feedback underscores the game’s culture of embracing quirks and inside jokes.
OSRS has cultivated a unique culture around its evolving game mechanics and community interactions. The ongoing joke about the Nail Beasts and their infamous sounds highlights how player-driven changes and the game’s history contribute to its enduring appeal. The Nail Beasts have become a symbol of the game’s ability to turn minor issues into lasting memes, reflecting the deep connection between OSRS and its players.
