Jagex Pulls RuneScape Trailer Following Backlash Over Generative AI Artwork
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Jagex removed a RuneScape 3 expansion trailer after fans spotted generative AI errors like a six-fingered knight and sneakers, leading the studio to blame an external partner and promise stricter reviews.
Jagex has pulled a promotional trailer for the upcoming RuneScape 3 Hoard of Dragons expansion after eagle-eyed community members spotted unmistakable artifacts of generative AI. Debuted during RuneFest 2026, the video featured some truly bizarre visual giveaways, most notably a medieval knight sporting six fingers and another warrior rocking an accidental pair of sneakers. The community quickly called out the jarring asset errors, forcing the studio to remove the official upload from circulation.
Addressing the backlash on Reddit, Jagex social manager Alex Sween explained that the promotional material was outsourced to a trusted external partner who had explicitly promised not to use generative AI. Sween reiterated the studio stance that they do not knowingly use AI for their games or creative assets, and confirmed that internal review processes are now being overhauled. Even so, incidents like this highlight a growing friction point for players who expect human craftsmanship to anchor the games they invest their time and money into.
For a veteran MMORPG like RuneScape that has relied on decades of dedicated human artistry, leaning on external contractors who slip shortcuts past quality control is a massive misstep. While anachronistic sneakers on a knight might raise a chuckle, the broader issue speaks to a careless approach in digital asset pipelines. Players and creators alike are growing weary of studios treating promotional art as an afterthought, and publishers will need much stricter oversight to keep trust intact moving forward.
Tags: RuneScape, MMORPG, Gaming News, Industry
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun