Andrew Gower (programmer)
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Andrew Gower | |
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| Born | 1978 |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation(s) | Programmer, entrepreneur |
| Known for | Co-founding Jagex, creating RuneScape |
Andrew Gower (born 1978) is a British programmer and entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder of Jagex and the primary creator of the MMORPG RuneScape.
Early Life and Career
[edit]Gower developed an early interest in programming and, during the 1990s, created various games, often collaborating with his brothers, Paul and Ian. In 1995, he developed Parallax Painter for the Atari ST, followed by Destruction Imminent in 1996. Later, he began programming in Java, creating a series of games published on the Games Domain website.
RuneScape and Jagex
[edit]In 2001, while studying at the University of Cambridge, Gower created the MMORPG RuneScape. Initially launched as a text-based game, it quickly evolved into a graphical version. That same year, he co-founded Jagex with his brothers and Constant Tedder to further develop and commercialize the game. RuneScape gained popularity due to its open-world structure, allowing players to explore without a predefined storyline.
Later Career
[edit]In 2010, Gower stepped down from Jagex’s board, and in 2011, he officially parted ways with the company. He later founded Fen Research Ltd., focusing on new projects, including an online game featuring user-generated content.
Brighter Shores
[edit]In 2024, Gower announced the MMORPG Brighter Shores, a project developed over more than a decade. The game incorporates classic elements from RuneScape and offers players a free-to-play experience in a friendly and relaxing fantasy world.
Legacy
[edit]Gower is recognized as a pioneer in the MMORPG industry, with his work significantly influencing the evolution of online gaming. His journey—from developing small games in his youth to creating a global phenomenon like RuneScape—continues to inspire game developers worldwide.
References
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