Jagex under fire after RuneFest trailer for RuneScape 3: Dragon Slayer 2 and possible generative AI
Jagex showed new RuneScape content at RuneFest, but a Dragon Slayer 2 trailer sparked backlash over apparent AI-like visual errors.
- According to Eurogamer and player reactions, the trailer contained striking visual errors, including a hand with six fingers and so-called fantasy Air Jordans.
- The controversy clashes with Jagex’s earlier statements that it does not use generative AI in marketing, games, merchandising, or collaborations.
What happened
Jagex presented new content for its games during RuneFest, the studio’s annual convention. One of the reveals was a cinematic trailer for RuneScape 3: Dragon Slayer 2, which, based on the available sources, was part of the RuneFest announcements for the RuneScape franchise.
Shortly after it was published, viewers pointed out noticeable mistakes in the footage. Eurogamer mentions, among other things, a hand with six fingers and a pair of fanciful shoes described as "fantasy Air Jordans." That led to the impression that generative AI may have been used in the trailer’s production, although the provided sources do not confirm that Jagex explicitly admitted it.
The backlash is especially sensitive because Jagex had previously reiterated on Reddit that it does not use generative AI in marketing material, games, merchandising, or partnerships. According to the information provided, Jagex issued an additional statement after the trailer controversy, but the contents of that statement are not fully visible in the available source material.
Timeline
2026-10-03: Jagex presents new RuneScape content at RuneFest, including the Dragon Slayer 2 trailer for RuneScape 3.
2026-10-03: Viewers spot visual anomalies in the trailer, including a hand with six fingers.
2026-10-03/04: Eurogamer reports on the controversy around possible generative AI use in the trailer.
2026-10-04: Jagex had already publicly said it does not use generative AI in marketing, games, merchandising, or partnerships.
2026-10-05: The available source material says Jagex issued another statement after the controversy, but its contents are not fully shown.
Background
The debate centers on the tension between Jagex’s earlier anti-generative-AI stance and the visible artifacts in the Dragon Slayer 2 trailer. The sources make clear that the conclusion about AI use comes mainly from visual clues and community inference, not from a direct confirmation by Jagex.
It also remains unclear whether the trailer was produced internally by Jagex or by an external partner. The source material also mentions an earlier AI-related controversy tied to an apparel collaboration, but without enough detail to fully explain that situation.