Jagex pull Runescape trailer and apologise for genAI use after complaints about six-fingered knights, pinning the blame on a “trusted external partner”
Jagex has removed a RuneScape 3 trailer for the upcoming Hoard of Dragons expansion after public backlash over its use of generative AI imagery. The trailer, unveiled at RuneFest 2026 to promote the Dragon Slayer II quest coming in 2027, featured AI-generated visuals that contained notable artifacts—most prominently, depictions of knights with six fingers.
Following complaints from the community about the AI-generated content, Jagex swiftly took down the trailer from their official channels. The studio subsequently issued an apology for the use of genAI in the promotional material, attributing the decision to a “trusted external partner” rather than claiming direct responsibility.
This incident reflects broader concerns within the gaming industry about the adoption of generative AI tools in content creation. The specific “six-fingered knights” error highlights a common criticism of AI-generated imagery: the systems frequently struggle with anatomical accuracy, particularly when depicting hands and fingers. Such flaws can appear unprofessional and undermine the quality of promotional materials.
The apology and removal of the trailer suggest that Jagex recognizes the community’s concerns about AI-generated content, even as the studio distanced itself from the decision by blaming the external partner. This approach—outsourcing AI content creation and then disclaiming responsibility when issues arise—illustrates the complex relationship between major publishers and third-party contractors handling increasingly AI-dependent production tasks.
The incident adds to a growing list of genAI controversies in gaming, where both studios and independent creators have faced criticism for deploying AI tools without transparent communication to audiences.