Jagex Welcomes New CEO Jon Bellamy
In a significant development for the gaming industry, Jagex, the renowned UK-based video game company known for its flagship MMORPG franchise, RuneScape, has announced the appointment of Jon Bellamy as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This leadership transition marks the end of Phil Mansell's notable tenure, which began in 2017. During his time, Phil transformed the company significantly and left a lasting impact on its trajectory.
Jagex officially disclosed Jon Bellamy's appointment in a press release dated March 4, 2025. Bellamy’s transition into the CEO role is credited to his extensive background in both strategic and operational roles within the gaming industry. Notably, he has been a member of Jagex's Board since 2024 and previously held executive positions at Jagex and Huuuge Games, providing him deep insights into the gaming sector. Most impressively, Jon has been an avid player of RuneScape for over 20 years, familiarizing himself with its community dynamics.
Phil Mansell, who has decided to hand over the reins after a remarkable 14 years at Jagex, expressed his gratitude for the collaboration and achievements made during his leadership. He emphasized on wanting the company to have a smooth transition, staying on for a period to guide Jon and ensure continuity in operations. Marc Allera, Jagex's Chairman, reaffirmed Mansell's invaluable contributions, citing the record number of players RuneScape has seen in recent times, especially during Q4 of 2024.
In his comments, Jon Bellamy highlighted the honor he feels in taking the leadership position at Jagex, recognizing that RuneScape is not just a game but a franchise that holds immense significance for millions of players around the globe. His leadership aims to uphold the commitment of Jagex towards enhancing player experiences while ensuring that the community's voice resonates in the ongoing development of game content.
As Bellamy takes charge, he is poised for an exciting period of innovation. He hinted at upcoming new features, including the much-anticipated Sailing skill in Old School RuneScape planned for release in 2025. This development signifies a commitment towards continual growth and responsiveness to player expectations, aiming to expand Jagex’s impressive legacy in the gaming world.
Meanwhile, the gaming community and stakeholders alike are optimistic about this leadership change. With Bellamy's rich background in both gaming and his active engagement as a player, many believe he is well-suited to steer Jagex through its next phase of growth. As he steps into his new role, he emphasizes collaboration with his talented team at Jagex, focusing on reinforcing the company's dedication to offering world-class gaming experiences.
As Jagex embarks on this new chapter under Jon Bellamy's guidance, fans and players will be watching closely to see how his leadership will shape the future of the beloved RuneScape franchise while continuing the legacy that has made Jagex a leader in community-driven gaming.
About Jagex
Jagex is recognized for creating engaging forever games that empower player communities on both PC and mobile platforms. RuneScape, the company's flagship MMORPG, has amassed over 300 million player accounts and generates a lifetime revenue exceeding $2 billion. The franchise continues to thrive as it expands its universe beyond just operational activities, connecting millions through both game content and community engagement.