RuneScape Devs Pull AI Trailer, Apologize to Players

Did you spot the six-fingered knight in RuneScape's latest trailer? Players sure did, and it didn't take long for the community to cry foul over obvious generative AI use. Jagex, the developer behind the iconic MMO, has now taken down the trailer and issued an apology, but the damage to trust might already be done.

The trailer was meant to hype Dragon Slayer 2, the long-awaited sequel to one of MMO history's most legendary quests. It debuted at RuneFest over the weekend, but instead of excitement, it sparked backlash. Sharp-eyed fans noticed a knight with six fingers, steel-plated tennis shoes, and other telltale AI artifacts. In a post to the Old School RuneScape subreddit, Jagex moderator Sween acknowledged the issue: "We're aware of the concerns raised about the Dragon Slayer 2 trailer and have taken it down, while we investigate urgently." The same message was shared by Mod Anvil in the mainline RuneScape subreddit, clarifying "RuneScape's Position on Gen AI."

This isn't the first time Jagex has faced AI-related controversy. Back in January 2026, Jagex product SVP James Dobrowski told GamesIndustry that the company had a "hard line stance" on AI, promising that "no generative AI will ever be present in any asset that a player can touch, hear or feel." Now, just months later, that promise looks shaky. According to Sween, the Dragon Slayer 2 trailer wasn't made in-house. "This trailer was produced by a trusted external partner who had explicitly confirmed that GenAI would not be used," he explained. "But, among other things, there's a sixth finger and, well, that's pretty hard to explain away. For that we apologise."

So how did this slip through? That's the million-dollar question. Jagex's statement admits the oversight: "Our position is clear at Jagex: we don't use GenAI to create our games, artwork or creative assets, and will not knowingly allow it to be used on our behalf. This is the second time in quick succession that concerns about generative AI have arisen through partners we trusted, and for us that highlights an issue with our own processes which we must address." The first incident involved esports giant 100 Thieves, whose OSRS collaboration also featured AI-generated designs. 100 Thieves apologized on September 30, saying, "The design clearly had AI in it and we missed it." Mod Sween also issued a separate statement that day, expressing anger and insisting, "We don't use generative AI to replace the artists and developers who make our games."

When players brought up that previous statement after the RuneFest trailer dropped, Sween responded candidly: "I didn't knowingly lie, I feel awful, and I understand why you'd think the way you do. It's crap." To prevent a third strike, Jagex is taking action. "Immediately following RuneFest we're overhauling our review processes, and we're going to work with and commission creators from the community to make sure that the story of Dragon Slayer II is told to the standard befitting of such an update," the studio said.

It's still unclear when or if the Dragon Slayer 2 trailer will be reposted. Meanwhile, the incident has cast doubt on other RuneScape reveals, with YouTube comments on the Temple of Ah Za Rhoon trailer questioning potential AI use. And with RuneScape 4 on the horizon—built in Unreal Engine—Jagex has a lot riding on rebuilding trust. As players, you deserve transparency and authenticity. Will you be keeping an eye out for more AI slip-ups, or are you willing to give Jagex another chance?