RuneScape developer Jagex has urgently removed a promotional trailer for a new quest. After players discovered a large amount of generative AI-created content in the video, the developer stated that the relevant materials came from a "trusted external partner" and that they had not sufficiently reviewed the partner's work.
Dragon Slayer II, the most iconic quest sequel in MMO history, is coming to RuneScape. Years ago, the retro server Old School RuneScape had already continued this storyline spanning decades. However, last weekend, the announcement made by Jagex at the annual "RuneFest" was marred by the poor quality of the trailer: it featured obvious AI-generated flaws, such as a knight with six fingers and tennis shoes with metal plates.
Jagex community administrator Swen posted in the Old School RuneScape subreddit: "We have noticed player concerns regarding the Dragon Slayer II trailer. The video has been taken down, and we are urgently investigating." This post, which also clarified "RuneScape's stance on generative AI," was simultaneously published to the main RuneScape forum by moderator Anvil.
In January 2026, James Dobrowski, Senior Vice President of Product at Jagex, told the gaming industry media outlet GamesIndustry that the company was taking a "firm stance" on AI, assuring fans that "generative AI will absolutely not appear in any game content that players can see, hear, or feel."
Swen stated that the Dragon Slayer II trailer was not produced by Jagex. "This trailer was made by a trusted external partner who explicitly promised not to use generative AI. Leaving other issues aside, the appearance of six fingers in the video is indefensible. We sincerely apologize for this."
The promotional materials for RuneScape's biggest annual event were released without thorough review, leaving everyone to guess why.
Jagex's statement reaffirmed Dobrowski's stance: "Jagex's position is clear: we will not use generative AI to create games, art, or any creative assets, nor will we knowingly allow third parties to use AI on our behalf. This is the second time in a short period that a partner's issues have sparked controversy over generative AI, exposing problems in our own processes that must be addressed."
This seems to refer to another recent AI controversy: the Old School RuneScape collaboration design launched by esports giant 100 Thieves in conjunction with RuneFest sparked controversy due to its poor quality and evident AI generation. On September 30, 100 Thieves stated: "There are obvious signs of AI generation in the design, which we failed to detect."
Following the controversy surrounding the 100 Thieves incident, administrator Swen also issued another statement on September 30. He stated at the time: "We are just as angry as everyone else. We will never approve the use of AI in any design. We will not use generative AI to replace the artists and developers who make our games, we will not use it in promotional materials, and we will not allow its use in merchandise and collaborative projects."
After RuneFest, players dug up this statement. In response, Swen said: "I did not intentionally lie, and I am also very upset right now. I understand everyone's thoughts; this was indeed handled poorly."
To prevent such incidents from happening again, Jagex stated: "After RuneFest, we immediately began a comprehensive overhaul of our review processes. We will also invite community creators to collaborate, ensuring that the narrative presentation of Dragon Slayer II matches the quality of this update."
It remains unclear when and in what form the Dragon Slayer II trailer will be re-released. This incident has also led players to doubt other new announcements and trailers for RuneScape. In the YouTube comments section under the reveal video for Temple of Azaren, many people questioned whether AI was used.
Meanwhile, a brand-new RuneScape MMO is also in development. Titled RuneScape 4, this project is Jagex's next major title and is currently being developed using Unreal Engine.