Jagex Removes RuneScape Dragon Slayer 2 Trailer Following Generative AI Controversy

Jagex Faces Second Generative AI Incident in Days

Jagex, the RuneScape developer, removed a promotional trailer for the Dragon Slayer 2 quest after players identified unmistakable signs of generative AI use during the company's annual Runefest convention1

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. The cinematic trailer for RuneScape 3 featured glaring artifacts including a knight with a six-fingered hand and what appeared to be medieval Air Jordans, triggering immediate community outrage2

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. This marks the second time in quick succession that Jagex has faced GenAI accusations involving third-party collaborations, following a recent controversy over AI-generated designs in a 100 Thieves apparel partnership just days earlier3

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Developer Blames External Partner Despite Clear Stance

Jagex social media manager Alex Sween issued an urgent statement acknowledging the concerns and confirming the trailer's removal. "This trailer was produced by a trusted external partner who had explicitly confirmed that GenAI would not be used. But, among other things, there's a sixth finger and, well, that's pretty hard to explain away," Sween wrote on Reddit2

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. The timing proved particularly damaging given that Sween had reaffirmed the company's hard line stance against AI in player-facing assets only days prior, stating: "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"1

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Quality Control Failures Raise Questions

The incident exposed significant gaps in Jagex's review processes for marketing materials at their biggest annual event. Players questioned how such obvious AI artifacts made it through approval for RuneScape's most iconic quest sequel. "You literally didn't even watch the trailer before it was posted," wrote one community member. "Even if an external partner made it, how do you explain that?"2

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. The Dragon Slayer 2 quest holds particular significance as it continues a decades-old storyline, making the quality control lapse even more notable to the dedicated player base.

Overhaul of Review Processes Promised

Jagex committed to immediate action following the controversy. "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 stated3

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. The developer announced it would overhaul review processes immediately following Runefest and work directly with community creators to ensure Dragon Slayer 2 receives proper promotional treatment1

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. This represents a shift toward tighter control over third-party collaborations and more rigorous quality assurance protocols.

What This Means for Game Industry Partnerships

The back-to-back incidents highlight growing challenges studios face in maintaining AI policies across external partnerships. While some community members expressed sympathy—"Got dealt a shit hand and you're handling it," one player commented2

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—the repeated failures suggest systemic issues in vendor management. Jagex product SVP James Dobrowski had previously promised in January 2026 that "no generative AI will ever be present in any asset that a player can touch, hear or feel"3

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. The controversy now casts doubt on other RuneScape announcements from Runefest, with players scrutinizing additional trailers for potential AI use, including the Temple of Ah Za Rhoon reveal3

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. Watch for how Jagex implements its new review framework and whether the studio can rebuild trust with its community while managing the announced RuneScape 4 MMO development.