Jagex, the developer of RuneScape, has pulled the trailer for its upcoming "Dragon Slayer II" quest. After the trailer debuted at RuneFest last weekend, players pointed out that some scenes appeared to have been created using generative AI, prompting Jagex to launch an investigation into the matter.
In the controversial footage, one knight is depicted with six fingers, while another briefly appears to be wearing modern sneakers. Alec Sween, Jagex's Marketing Director, confirmed on the official RuneScape Reddit page that the trailer had been removed and apologized to players for the unexplained six-fingered imagery.
Sween explained that the trailer was produced by an external partner who had explicitly confirmed they would not use generative AI. Jagex had previously assured players that it would not replace artists with generative AI. Sween reiterated that the company will not use generative AI to create games, artwork, or creative assets, nor will it knowingly allow others to do so on its behalf.
About a week ago, apparel company 100 Thieves apologized for using AI in concept art for a RuneScape collaboration. Sween noted that two similar issues involving partners occurring in such a short timeframe indicated that Jagex needs to improve its review processes. He stated that the company would adjust its approval procedures after RuneFest and engage community creators to help tell the story of "Dragon Slayer II."