Jagex Pulls RuneScape Trailer Over GenAI Art Backlash
The RuneScape 3 Hoard of Dragons trailer is a promotional video produced by developer Jagex for its PC MMORPG, RuneScape 3. Unveiled to preview the upcoming Dragon Slayer II quest line, the video serves as marketing material designed to inform players about expansion content scheduled for release. Following public backlash regarding the visible use of generative artificial intelligence imagery within the footage, Jagex pulled the video from its official channels.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
| Game Title | RuneScape 3 |
| Developer and Publisher | Jagex |
| Platform Category | PC MMORPG |
| Expansion Title | Hoard of Dragons |
| Featured Quest | Dragon Slayer II |
| Event Unveiled | RuneFest 2026 |
| Expansion Release Year | 2027 |
| Status of Official Trailer | Removed by Jagex following generative AI complaints |
| Reported Cause of Removal | Generative AI imagery, including six-fingered knights |
| Blame Attributed To | A trusted external partner |
Jagex took down the official RuneScape 3 Hoard of Dragons trailer after community members identified generative AI imagery within the footage.
Why Did Jagex Remove the Hoard of Dragons Trailer?
Jagex pulled the promotional trailer for RuneScape 3's Hoard of Dragons expansion after audience members identified generative AI imagery throughout the video. The developer removed its official upload following public criticism over visual anomalies, such as depictions of six-fingered knights, and issued an apology that attributed the controversial generative AI assets to an external partner.
The trailer premiered as part of the RuneFest 2026 event to showcase content arriving in 2027. Reporting by Kotaku and Rock Paper Shotgun highlighted that viewers quickly flagged the use of artificial intelligence in the artwork. In response, Jagex deleted its upload, while third-party channels preserved reuploads online. Jagex subsequently apologized and pinned the blame on a trusted external partner.
"Jagex pull RuneScape trailer and apologise for genAI use after complaints about six-fingered knights, pinning the blame on a trusted external partner"
Rock Paper Shotgun
Following community backlash over six-fingered knights, Jagex removed the 2026 RuneScape trailer and attributed the generative AI assets to a trusted external partner.
How Does This Incident Compare to Other Recent GenAI Uses?
The controversy surrounding Jagex represents one of three separate generative AI occurrences reported during a single news cycle at Rock Paper Shotgun. While Jagex faced backlash from MMORPG players leading to the retraction of marketing assets, other developers and community modders have openly utilized tools such as Claude for gameplay and netcode development.
According to Rock Paper Shotgun, generative AI integration has appeared across distinct tiers of the video game industry. Modders implemented Claude to develop two rollback netcode modifications for Ultra Street Fighter IV after 12 years, indie outfits utilized generative AI for a new title in the retro platformer series Dizzy, and commercial studio Jagex faced controversy for using generative AI imagery in MMORPG promotional material.
| Entity | Project | Type of GenAI Use | Outcome |
| Jagex | RuneScape 3: Hoard of Dragons | Generative AI trailer imagery | Trailer pulled; studio apologized |
| Modders | Ultra Street Fighter IV | Rollback netcode built with Claude | Released two netcode mods |
| Indie Outfits | Dizzy series revival | Game development using AI | Publicly disclosed by original creators |
Rock Paper Shotgun documented three separate instances of generative AI use in a single news shift, spanning modders using Claude, indie developers, and Jagex.
Common Questions
When is the RuneScape 3 Hoard of Dragons expansion scheduled to release?
The Hoard of Dragons expansion for RuneScape 3 is scheduled to arrive in 2027. The expansion features the Dragon Slayer II quest and was originally unveiled during Jagex's RuneFest 2026 presentation before the trailer was retracted.
What specific visual flaw led to the RuneScape 3 trailer backlash?
Players identified visible generative AI errors in the trailer artwork, specifically pointing out six-fingered knights. These visual flaws prompted community complaints, leading Jagex to take down the video and issue a public apology.
Who did Jagex hold responsible for the genAI art in the trailer?
Jagex attributed the inclusion of generative AI imagery to a trusted external partner. The studio apologized to the community for the asset's presence in the video after taking down its official upload.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on reporting from Rock Paper Shotgun, with additional attribution to coverage from Kotaku regarding Jagex's removal of the RuneScape 3 promotional video. No numerical conversions or translations were applied. This article was last updated on October 7, 2026.