Jagex Removes Dragon Slayer 2 Trailer Over AI Misuse
Key Highlights
- Dragon Slayer 2 trailer removed after players spotted egregious generative AI use.
- Trailer produced by 'trusted external partner' whose work was not adequately reviewed.
- Jagex promises to overhaul review processes to prevent similar incidents.
Jagex, the developer behind RuneScape, has pulled a promotional trailer for an upcoming quest after players flagged it for its blatant use of generative AI. The trailer, which featured a knight with an unusual number of fingers and futuristic footwear, was attributed to a "trusted external partner" whose work was not thoroughly vetted.
The AI-generated visuals sparked widespread concern among the game's community.
According to a post by Jagex moderator Mod Anvil on the mainline RuneScape subreddit. The company has taken down the trailer and is investigating the incident urgently.
The post, which clarifies "RuneScape's Position on Gen AI," was also shared by Mod Sween, who stated, "We’re aware of the concerns raised about the Dragon Slayer 2 trailer and have taken it down, while we investigate urgently." The moderator's apology acknowledged that the trailer's use of generative AI was a mistake, and the company promised to overhaul its review processes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In a statement released on September 30, Jagex product SVP James Dobrowski reiterated the company's stance on AI, assuring fans that "no generative AI will ever be present in any asset that a player can touch, hear or feel." The statement comes after a recent incident involving esports giant 100 Thieves, which landed in hot water after an OSRS collaboration yielded ugly, AI-generated designs.
Furthermore, a January 2026 statement to GamesIndustry by Jagex product SVP James Dobrowski promised a "hard line stance" on AI within Jagex, assuring fans that "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." The company's commitment to this stance is a significant step towards rebuilding trust with its community, which has been vocal about its concerns regarding the use of generative AI in game development.
Also Read: Diablo 5 Director Chris Wilson: Combat Focus Shifts to Build Composition
Immediately following RuneFest, Jagex is working with and commissioning creators from the community to ensure that the story of Dragon Slayer II is told to the standard befitting of such an update. The company's efforts to revamp its review processes and maintain transparency around its use of AI will be vital in preventing similar incidents in the future.
As the gaming industry continues to grapple with the implications of generative AI, Jagex's commitment to responsible AI development is a beacon of hope for fans of RuneScape and other games. The company's dedication to transparency and community engagement will be essential in maintaining the trust and loyalty of its player base.
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