Jagex, the studio behind RuneScape, has a problem with its hands. In a recent trailer for the game’s Dragon Slayer 2 quest, a cinematic reveal showed a new adventure in a sketched style. Players noticed something odd: a hand with six fingers, and a pair of fantasy Air Jordans.
The backlash came fast. Players were angry about the use of generative AI for the reveal, especially since Jagex staff had reaffirmed its stance against AI use only a few days earlier. When a third-party apparel collaboration drew criticism for its use of AI in its design, Jagex Sween responded on Reddit, posting: “We’re as angry as you are about this. We wouldn’t have approved the use of AI in any designs. We don’t use generative AI to replace the artists and developers who make our games, we don’t use it in our marketing materials, and we won’t use it in our merchandising or allow its use in partnerships.”
Issues in the Trailer
The Dragon Slayer 2 trailer was produced by a trusted external partner who had explicitly confirmed that AI would not be used. That confirmation turned out to be wrong. Among other issues, there’s a sixth finger, and that’s pretty hard to explain away.
Jagex apologised for the mess. The statement reads: “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 company took the trailer down while investigating.
What Jagex Said
The apology itself is notable for what it promises. Jagex is overhauling its review processes immediately after RuneFest. It is also working with and commissioning creators from the community to ensure the story of Dragon Slayer II is told to the standard befitting of such an update.
The statement makes clear Jagex’s position: “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 says it has taken down the trailer and is investigating urgently.
The Pattern of Failure
This is not the first time Jagex’s trusted partners have let AI slip through. The statement notes that this is the second time in quick succession that concerns about generative AI have arisen through partners Jagex trusted. For Jagex, that points to a problem with its own processes.
| Incident | What Happened | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Apparel collaboration | Third-party design used AI despite Jagex’s stance against it | Sween responded on Reddit, reaffirming the company’s position |
| Dragon Slayer 2 trailer | External partner confirmed AI would not be used, but that confirmation was wrong | Trailer taken down; investigation ongoing; process overhaul promised |
An Olive Branch
The irony here is that Jagex’s own statement is a gift to the community. By acknowledging the problem publicly and promising a fix, Jagex is showing it takes the issue seriously. The overhaul of review processes is a direct response to the pattern of failure.
As an olive branch to RuneScape players, perhaps Jagex should add (legally distinct) Rune Air Jordans as a new Beginner Clue scroll reward. Just an idea.
Other Announcements From RuneFest
The Dragon Slayer 2 trailer was not the only reveal at RuneFest. Other Jagex trailers proved much more exciting, including the announcement of a Reignited version of RuneScape with new HD visuals, and a whole new RuneScape MMO in development.
The irony of the situation is not lost on anyone. A trailer promising a grand adventure instead delivered a hand with six fingers and fantasy Air Jordans.
Still, one lives and learns. If this leads to a new system of careful collaboration and quality assurance of third-party partnerships, that is a good thing. The community got a clear apology and a promise of change. That’s progress, even if the hand with six fingers remains a memorable footnote.
Source material: “RuneScape creator Jagex in hot water over generative AI use in recent trailer,” Eurogamer.
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