Old School RuneScape (OSRS) has recently increased its Grand Exchange (GE) tax, leading to a wave of discontent among players. The tax has adjusted from 1% to 2%, doubling the previous rate. Jagex, the game’s developer, explained that this change is necessary to maintain a balanced economy, stating that “the goal here isn’t to punish trade, but to ensure that Old School continues to have a vibrant and sustainable economy for years to come.”

But players reacted strongly, with many recreating the Boston Tea Party to express their dissatisfaction. One player, Jesus-Bacon, was seen humorously dumping tea cups in-game, proclaiming, “no taxation without representation!” He remarked, “You think the British would have learned by now.” Another player commented, “They took a page from the British Empire, rather poetic from a British game.”

As discussions and memes circulate, some players argue that the tax hike disproportionately burdens those in lower economic brackets within the game. This uproar represents a blend of humor and historical parody, bringing real-world political sentiment into the gaming realm.