OSRS Podcast Episode 20 Puts Audio Design in the Spotlight With Mod Surma

Old School RuneScape’s official podcast is diving deep into how sound shapes the game world. Episode 20 features Mod Surma discussing the audio design philosophy behind OSRS, exploring how the team creates content that sounds fresh while maintaining the game’s classic identity.

What Mod Surma Covers

This audio-focused episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how OSRS builds atmosphere through sound. Mod Surma walks through the custom tools the audio team uses to create sound effects, the game’s classic instrument palette, and the technical shift from 8-bit to 16-bit audio. The episode also examines how the Sailing skill opened doors for richer ambience and sampled sounds—a departure from earlier audio limitations.

The conversation touches on specific content across the game, including tracks and audio design for Tombs of Amascut, Song of the Elves, Nex, Varlamore, Doom, Guardians of the Rift, and a collaboration with Alan Walker. Mod Surma also highlights the Brutus boss track (which features cows and ducks) and discusses why Blood Moon Rises and Raids 4 represent exciting directions for OSRS audio going forward.

The episode was recorded in March 2026 and covers how audio contributes to the mood, timing, humor, and danger that define Gielinor’s world—from the moment you enter a new area to the impact of boss attacks.

Why Audio Matters in Old School

Sound design is often overlooked by players, many of whom skill while watching videos, listening to separate playlists, or running other podcasts in the background. Yet audio is fundamental to how OSRS feels as a game. It establishes identity across different regions and activities, sells the stakes of combat encounters, and fills the world with life through environmental details. The balance between maintaining OSRS’s retro DNA while incorporating modern audio techniques—like the move to 16-bit—represents the broader design challenge the team faces: making content that feels like a natural extension of the 2007-era game while avoiding stagnation.

Mod Surma’s role as the person responsible for these decisions offers unique insight into how OSRS evolves without losing its core character.

What’s Next for the Podcast

The official OSRS podcast is now in Season 2 after releasing pilot episodes and creator specials. Jagex is asking the community to engage with the podcast across multiple platforms and provide feedback to help shape its future direction. The team emphasizes that early support helps with algorithm visibility and discoverability, making listener engagement crucial to the podcast’s sustainability.