Runescape, which is owned by Jagex, has been around for quite a while now, although within the last few years, Runescape has truly removed, a few of the more old-fashioned Runescape players will recall the original Runescape, now named "Runescape Classic" or RSC.
runescape classic
Despite it, well not even being lengthy ago that it was around, Runescape 2, which the version you more then likely know, was released, because of this pretty much everyone transferred to take part in the new Runescape, obviously you may still find some players who play classic.
The main change, was when Jagex made it so anyone can play Runescape two, but only members are able to take part in the original Runescape, this was one of the first problems that many players faced, but afterwards, Runescape classic then closed it's door's to sign ups, which means you were only in a position to play RSC should you have had logged in within the previous 3/6 months.
runescape classic
There was some rumours about Jagex opening up RSC for players to host their very own servers or something like that much the same, IE they'd need to pay x amount each month to Jagex to have their own Runescape classic world, I'm assuming that would mean they'd have the ability to control everything, but I doubt you'd be able to take part in the same character on 2 Runescape classic worlds.
This may seem like a really smart move for Jagex, there are many RSC private servers out there, although not just one of them even involves near to how good Runescape Classic was, there are still lots of videos online if you wish to take a look at some Classic player killing / game play.