Jagex pulls RuneScape trailer after AI concerns

Jagex removed the trailer for RuneScape’s Dragon Slayer 2 after players identified what appeared to be generative AI artifacts in the footage, most notably a character model with a sixth finger. The studio opened an urgent inquiry and took the clip offline while it investigates how the elements appeared in the approved version.

The trailer was produced by an external partner that had told Jagex it would not use generative AI in creating the asset. Community members raised concerns after viewing the finished video, prompting the studio to pull the trailer and review the partner’s production methods.

In a Reddit post, community manager Mod Anvii wrote, “We’re aware of the concerns raised about the Dragon Slayer 2 trailer and have taken it down, while we investigate urgently.” The post added, “among other things, there’s a sixth finger and, well, that’s pretty hard to explain away.”

Jagex reiterated its policy on artificial intelligence, stating the company “doesn’t use GenAI to create our games, artwork or creative assets” and that it “will not knowingly allow it to be used on our behalf.” The studio described this as the second recent incident involving concerns about generative AI from trusted partners and said the recurrence prompted a closer look at partner review procedures.

As part of its response, Jagex plans to revise its review processes immediately after RuneFest and to involve community creators more directly in the Dragon Slayer 2 project. The studio said it will “work with and commission creators from the community” to help ensure the update’s story meets its standards for a major release.

The trailer removal follows a separate dispute in which a collaboration with esports organization 100 Thieves drew criticism over apparent use of generative AI in apparel design. 100 Thieves responded to that backlash with the statement, “AI has no place in our apparel design.”

The original Dragon Slayer 2 trailer remains offline while the investigation continues. Jagex said it will update the community when the review is complete and will clarify how the partner’s content passed initial checks.