In the Games Industry - An interview with Mod Ash!

In this very special interview I speak to the one and only Mod Ash!
We cover life before Jagex, and his stories all the way up to 2009!
I’m looking to see if I can do more of these with Ash so fingers crossed!
Let me know what you think of these as per usual also! -- Watch live at / shaunyowns

[@ImRubic]

0:00 - Intro 3:03 - Discovering Runescape 8:00 - Applying to Jagex 11:01 - Being a Moderator 15:26 - Forum Curator 19:14 - Passion In/Out of Work 24:50 - Early Jagex Structure & Player Support 29:46 - Player Support Stories 31:38 - Joining the QA Team 34:08 - Release Manager & Zogre Flesh Eaters 44:17 - File Sharing in Jagex 46:34 - Estate Agent & Catherby Water Stories 51:33 - Falador Massacre - Emergency Call Outs 56:04 - Falador Massacre - The Bugs/Issues 59:53 - Falador Massacre - Solutions & Player Support 1:04:45 - Moving Buildings 1:06:03 - Female Armour Story 1:11:15 - Miniskirt Bug Story & Mat K's Sound Effects 1:14:00 - Female Anatomy 1:18:38 - Runescape Interns - Intro 1:20:36 - Runescape Interns - Monkey Madness 1:24:41 - Learning Runescript 1:28:23 - Runescape Interns - Desert Treasure 1:34:03 - Runescape Interns - Hunter Skill & Competition 1:36:20 - Runescape Interns - Removed 1:39:06 - Ash's Quests - My Arm's Big Adventure 1:44:45 - Writing Newsposts 1:46:36 - Becoming a Content Developer 1:48:07 - Clan Wars 1:51:57 - Removing the Free Trade & Wilderness 1:53:45 - Revenants 1:58:17 - Ash's Early Projects 2:02:04 - Early Projects & Gnomecopter TipIt Tribute 2:04:30 - Easter Eggs & Fun Additions 2:06:00 - Jagex's Structure & Runescape's Uniquness 2:11:33 - MTX in OSRS 2:14:00 - Polling 2:19:40 - Famous Players 2:21:04 - Social Media & Community Engagement 2:24:02 - Ash Being Unhappy 2:27:14 - If Ash Left 2:29:25 - OSRS Growth 2:32:05 - Launching A Non-Existent Update 2:36:45 - Summoning - Intro 2:37:55 - Batched Content 2:39:34 - Summoning - Making Batches 2:42:03 - Summoning - Balance Issues 2:45:38 - Jagex Spaghetti Code 2:47:49 - Internal Issues 2:49:00 - Ash's Anonymous Articles 2:54:25 - Ash's Loyalty & Presence 2:57:37 - Ash's "Bottom" Story 2:59:00 - Talking About Bad Relations 3:01:25 - Strip Club Story 3:03:45 - Runescape HD & Bugs 3:10:19 - Blocking an Update & Last Man Standing 3:12:28 - Working Overtime 3:13:35 - Item Lending 3:16:37 - Z-Buffering & Hairstyles/Body Parts 3:21:07 - Shauny's Thok Story 3:22:13 - Rewriting Random Events 3:24:46 - Ash's Desired Update - Metadata Improvements 3:29:09 - Volunteer Work - Charities 3:33:59 - Outro

[@conemsrs444]

You're a god. Thanks

[@shicc4797]

Gods work

[@it_smee]

Dad

[@zorbcck]

Big Rubic Energy

[@klontic]

This is nerdy but expecting for an interview with nod ash himself, and I don’t mean it in a bad way that’s some dedication to time stamp everything lol tyvm

[@Pinkpenguinsausage]

> blessed by the same priest as Andrew Gower It all makes sense now

[@muuutch]

Based

[@regiodeurse6513]

Yeah father lawrence. You know the drunk guy from east varrock church

[@brodysantana4254]

No kidding .

[@Wildm0use]

Blessed by Guthix

[@Gematrinator]

Freemasons if u didn’t know

[@Rs-ChinStar]

I have huge respect for Ash, I spent the first Runefest questioning him for like 2 hours. and he bought me a drink the 2nd RuneFest really made up he is part of the Oldschool team. he is a honest and lovely guy and he Loves this game and hope he stays for as long as possible.

[@Charlie-rv9cn]

PLEASE DO THE GOWERS!!! IT WOULD BE GREAT!!

[@RS3isRealscape]

hey hey hey that is you youporn #gowersgay3some

[@miiiikee_]

Mod Ash is a LEGEND for this interview. So glad he's stuck around.

[@Victoria_Orlova]

I love the how invested and genuinely interested Shauny is in their conversation!! Very good video! Enjoyed listening :)

[@gunslingr94]

1:07:35 "come up with this idea, possibly into a tissue" LMAO

[@while-loop]

God FUCKING Ash

[@graphicish]

Lol what was the pic?

[@thecoolestkyle]

This is my favorite video, possibly ever. Thank you for this, and the rest of the interviews Shauny. I love listening to people speak about things they're passionate about, there's absolutely nothing better.

[@eXsJonot]

This ep is so good i have re-watched it for like 4 times already from start till end.

[@AdamCallison]

I always thought God Ash commands the respect he does because of what he's done for the game - I didn't realise he was also such a witty conversationalist and engaging storyteller.

[@bergenmatthew]

Normally college educated Brits are quite literate in their language and expressing it

[@AdamCallison]

@@bergenmatthew I'm a university-educated Brit and I've rarely met such compelling storytellers

[@Puppy_Puppington]

So are u excited for the mod ash leaked sex tapes?

[@matthew-dq8vk]

Jesus Christ Adam, just ask the guy if you guy can buy his underwear at this point. You ain't a brit if you ain't a Scot Welshman or Irishman btw

[@foquslab8843]

God Ash 😂

[@TNDNBTG]

"Well, I gotta get me some of that." - Scape players even still today.

[@tyler9337]

true.

[@shaniqualatoya5012]

True

[@ZBKN]

Ash reminiscing about the early days of RuneScape really brought me back to my childhood (started playing in '05). What a great interview. The entire exchange just felt so genuine, wholesome and nostalgic. Made my day, thank you! Hoping for a part two.

[@waldevv]

I've been waiting for this all week! thankfully I have the rest of the week off from work because it's almost 4am and this just popped up in my inbox so...

[@gameroverdose4855]

This is the quality content ive been looking for! Thank you so much for this excellent interview .

[@fruitcheeriom8]

Thank you both for this wonderful masterpiece. I'll keep my fingers crossed for a round two.

[@leviathanlives5016]

He seems like the most pleasant person ever. Great video chiefy

[@jare3959]

I know one of Mod Mark's favourite quest's to be added was My Arm because of the 20 years of Lore stream they did. LOL now... that bit of trivia has become even better.

[@jessenielsen9317]

It's simple. I see God Ash, I click like.

[@michaeltedeschi9929]

At work right now but this might be the most hype media of all time. Can't wait to get home and check this out. Three hours long too!!

[@PaladinWat]

49:50 That explains the wonky cliffside fishing area south of Tai Bwo Wannai!!!

[@Icenflamesrush]

I can honestly say I listened to the entire video and I thoroughly enjoyed it all.

[@Kaiserfi]

I love these, definitely do more please

[@dorikaspar2415]

Brilliant, looking forward to a part 2!

[@mattparkin7224]

Nottingham sends their love Ash! Had no idea (well, why would I?) that you had history around Nottingham, that's really cool

[@MLGProTips]

Great interview Shauny! Would love to see a part 2 :)

[@tousaki]

omg this will be nice to watch while eating, subbed

[@jakc1337]

Was left a little unclear that bothered me; How did Jagex go about the lending mishap i.e. if player A had given his friend, player B their items and could no longer trade them back after the hotfix?

[@marcospaniagua2697]

Sir Prysin the way you can spent 3 hours listening mod ash's stories and not get bored lol!

[@skata100]

Watched the whole thing. Lol.

[@kylehubbard4202]

what happened shauny? you were doing so good with the channel.

[@2girls99str]

any plans for a part 2 this year?

[@royceda59osrs]

Ash on form as always haha! I wouldnt say anything was controversial, if anything jagex lucky to have him

[@matthewmcbeth4099]

OMFG

[@matthewmcbeth4099]

He fingered his cup so diligently.

[@leifdarkwood]

43:18 High alching on mobile was his job for a while

[@drum420]

OMFG ITS THE GOD MOD ASH OMFG OMFG OMFG OMFG YESSSA BEST INTERVIEW IN THE WORLDDDD

[@AllSkillers]

Catherby fishing shop glitch -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6aUdWuCobt_r5I

[@IPrinzeX]

there is a typo in the title, its God Ash not Mod Ash

[@ponderlife1645]

Great vid and interview, link to buy that tapestry in the back though?

[@1andrew123]

"Its not a dating site" WHAT? someone owes me 10k for the GF I bought

[@RedBear1990]

2:10:21 this is why god ash is god ash

[@HyperGolem]

Mod Ash is just like Data from Star Trek lol.

[@shlep444]

2:11:28 Yes. I agree entirely as I'm sure most fans do. But the real question is, do the owners/money men upstairs actually care? Is this not just another IP they make money from that could at any time they could fold up and move on. That's my real concern.

[@AlfredTheBrave]

they care as long as it generates them money so keep getting your friends to join boyo

[@lordmattis94]

God Ash

[@thewilch]

Gold. Again please

[@Leavemealone-]

God ash!

[@jurgnobs1308]

"it's not a dating site" everything is a dating site if you're creepy enough Jk, nice story

[@Kai-0o0]

PART 2 ASAP PLS!

[@CaneCorso45]

Imagine if they never hired Ash because they couldn't open the PDF..

[@ponderlife1645]

What worries me deeply is this happened in an alternate timeline...

[@usa2024abc]

Ive a house

[@HolyShitILovePie]

who else is playing runescape and listening to this in the background?

[@gnarlynicholasreviews]

I really like Mod Ash. Super cool guy. And damn he’s been there since DAY ONE! But Mr. Interviewer…. I don’t think you did a bad job. No, not at all. But a couple things stood out to me. Firstly, you need to engage a little more with whomever you’re interviewing. It’s great to remain quiet and let them talk, but somebody like Ash tends to ramble. It’s your job to wrangle him back on topic. An experienced and talented interviewer can do this without them even noticing. Believe it or not but Late Night talk show hosts are great examples, like Jack Parr, Carson, Conan, Leno, etc. Also…. I’m sure you were pretty nervous, especially in the beginning, but don’t laugh at everything your guest says. You’ll see Fallon does this; and he’s now become a joke because of it.

[@drauc]

Shauny you are amazing for doing this series and Ash you are my favorite Mod!!! This is amazing I'm so excited to watch

[@darthmadara420]

"It's not a dating site"... Literally all we saw back in the day: "Buying GF 10k"

[@farwarak3936]

Looool

[@1Peasant]

When rocking a full rune helm made you a baller

[@Iheartdgd]

.... I just realized we have no idea who Durial321 is... imagine that interview.

[@kennosrs1369]

First of all thank you Shauny for this amazing interview, also a big thanks to Mod Ash for being honoust, open minded and always have the best interests at heart for the players. I really hope to see more of these, I think this shows a totally different side of Jagex in a very good way. I loved how open and straight forward this way as i've been playing this game since pre eoc but I never knew the background of some glitches, bugs or other issues. This gives the community a better perspective of how hard you guys work for your players. Thank you so much! Kind regards, Kenn Ghostly.

[@jordyg8092]

Never thought that I would watch a 3 hour long interview about Mod Ash, but honestly it gave me an inside about him as a mod and what not. And I really, really hope the second stream will be coming soon!

[@GladerDev]

An interview with God himself, not even Larry King could accomplish that!

[@nathang59]

Glader witty very nice!

[@jeremyhawkins2951]

He can now lol

[@roblahey3249]

@@jeremyhawkins2951 underrated comment lmao

[@johnk230]

Mod Ash is such an absolute beauty

[@RS3isRealscape]

he looks like a nonce

[@samconroyy]

Watching this in 2024, we're so lucky to have Ash. Regardless of the state of the game, or what it becomes I will always respect this man.

[@nicksacco5041]

Would be awesome if you could bring back Ash to do pt. 2 for his 20 year anniversary at Jagex

[@Rickytastic]

Just finished the whole thing and it was so delightful to watch. Mod Ash has such good energy!

[@user-go7mc4ez1d]

Agree, and his voice is just really enjoyable to listen to!

[@kamio31]

Would be amazing to have Jacmob on this. Please make it happen Shauny.

[@loukes116]

"I never really did anything exciting at night" "...that was before Monica ;)" my man

[@blueboy3098]

timestamp?

[@arbitrage2141]

@@blueboy3098 52:30

[@blueboy3098]

@@arbitrage2141 take your upvote, good sir

[@Socomhunter]

"i prefer to see things...handled"... getting godfather vibes there :p

[@zephyrp8836]

Take notes game devs, this guy is as good as it gets.

[@Iheartdgd]

What a guy lol Ash’s wit is so charming, would love to meet him some day

[@SirRounded]

2:11:00, that part about Jagex recruiting with the goal of "no MTX" is great to hear

[@Crispedkillah]

MOST IMPORTANT PART im out the moment fairy wings for 5 usd come out or pay to win

[@MasterLPG]

2:59:45 Interesting seeing Shauny going on a rant about how his interviews have been perceived recently here! :P *Also that stigma at **3:34:55** indeed.*

[@CatnamedMittens]

Ash: says anything Shauny: hahahhHahHwhhahahAhahah

[@therealmvp1639]

CatnamedMittens I think Shauny has probably consumed too much soy

[@CatnamedMittens]

@@therealmvp1639 Gallons, mate.

[@fk3239]

Ngl I'd probably react the same way, because holy shit it's Mod Ash. Buuut that's why I would never interview someone.

[@RealAnonymousse]

So I'm guessing Ash didn't get permission to do the second part (>2009)?

[@bluntboi101]

I would do anything to have god ash in my bedroom

[@the_jkm]

"I wrote this article and a few others, but none of them were ever set out to undermine Jagex" "Did you write 'Reasons to Hate Jagex'?" "........... Yes" I am laughing so hard my face hurts

[@DBZ483]

Damn the man himself the chosen one inside your room, must of been a great few hours subbed😂😂

[@crystall858]

As someone who played Runescape as a kid until I was a young adult and I'm now mid 20's, this was a really amazing interview to watch. I have never really paid attention to live streams by Jagex but this was like a very personal interview of someone who was part of a game I loved for a significant part of my life, and as a comp sci student it's so interesting to hear the way Jagex builds the game. I've literally seen so many memes of Mod Ash and never knew the person behind it and now I know he's such a cool guy! Thanks for this interview Shaun

[@andrewmoore7542]

Great Interview!!.. a lot has changed since Ash came to Runescape. There is still a handful of veterans players that always come back to the game because its what we grew up playing. Thank you for everything you have done. Ill always come back to RS.. 17years and counting.

[@foquslab8843]

Ash is so fucking smart

[@siegfriedpintar]

What a lad. Always a pleasure to see someone working a labor of love and doing a great job at it. I'd say I hope he knows we appreciate him... but I'm quite sure he already knows!!

[@DK_Son]

Even though my account was created way back then, I COMPLETELY forgot that you would pick what your account was. A miner, fisher, etc. Fuck that takes me back. Oh man. Ash is a wonderful guy. I love his mannerisms, his humour, his excitement. Such a great guy for the game, the company, and for us.

[@OmniDan26]

Mod Ash and Israel!! Best combo!!✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@stevenseagal4987]

oy vey

[@Epck]

lmao who likes greifing anyways? Ash: "Your customers"

[@bradley1995]

Clicks rocks all day and Andrew gets money. Lol gold!

[@Swiftshiftzz]

wait ash is litterally what we all look for, getting a runescape girlfriend before getting a runescape girlfriend was cool

[@JoranDorifuto]

Did Ash ever show the female rune platelegs? Just asking for a friend btw

[@BVBSEAN]

Shauny I appreciate everything you’ve done for the games industry, and my favorite game runescape

[@hannesvanaspert7291]

THIS MAN = VERY FRIENDLY REALY A NICE GUY

[@Current-Thing]

1:31:59

[@mmww_]

Ash is such a fucking legend. Will be a very sad day if he ever decides to leave Jagex

[@humanearthman]

Always have to come and revisit this every now and then, will we ever get a part 2??

[@LiquidusSnakeX]

Oi I started as a miner too in classic. Good chance I played with Ash back in the day considering there were only like 4 worlds.

[@CaneCorso45]

Fellow miner, we always met up on world 4 after school.

[@kuhataparunks]

such beautiful people, inside and out. You both are so pure, thank you all for the OSRS content

[@Winning33]

Mod Ash is a very intelligent man

[@BigGuy_Trades]

1:55:35 "Which means you couldnt use a sex toy"

[@11jhooper]

Interview with God Ash? It's rare I upvote a video before I watch it, but here ya go.

[@IamWoodstaman]

2:20:30 S: ...has anyone come up to you and said "how's it feel to be Mod Ash?" A: Yes S: What's your reaction been? A: I have very few alternatives I love Ash so much. He's such an enigma and what he's done for the game is appreciated by everyone privy to it.

[@kluchryder3433]

Absolutely loved this, I take it Ash was not allowed to come back for the rest?

[@tommychoppa7564]

ash is a legend. especially when he fingered that cup of water. str8 god

[@EthanolEnthusiast]

Tommy Choppa base god

[@MrWilmaDickfitt]

Anyone who plays this game owes so much to this guy. Really an awesome interview, it was so interesting to see a long form conversation with Ash

[@markkjlewis9167]

Gosh I remember the days of using a pickaxe on the rocks and I remember getting excited when members first came out as we had little sounds with things like opening the gate to members areas etc whereas before playing RS was completely silent! I feel so old looking back lol

[@brandanissxc]

Shauny do a video on arch skill I wanna know your thoughts about it and if your enjoying it so far?

[@andrewregan2131]

It's so true came back to the game after 10 years and no other mmo can behave in this way they are in a total different class and genre on there own no other mmo has the nostalgia and true following as rs I play rs3 now but classic and osrc will alway hold a place in my heart