RuneScape creator Jagex has responded to the use of generative AI in a trailer for RuneScape 3’s Dragon Slayer 2 quest shown during RuneFest.
As spotted by Eurogamer, users on Reddit identified extensive GenAI use in the trailer, including a six-fingered hand and medieval boots resembling Air Jordans.
Jagex stated that “a trusted external partner who had explicitly confirmed GenAI would not be used” produced the trailer. Jagex has removed the promotional material as it investigates the situation.
“Our position is clear at Jagex: 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,” said the developer.
“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.”
It continued: “Immediately following RuneFest, we’re overhauling our review processes, and we’re going to work with and commission creators from the community to make sure that the story of Dragon Slayer II is told to the standard befitting of such an update.”
The other incident Jagex referenced involved GenAI use in a collaboration with the competitive gaming organization and lifestyle brand 100 Thieves.
“We’re as angry as you are about this,” said Jagex. “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.”
“RuneScape, all of our games, is built by talented people, and that human craft and creativity matters enormously to us.”
Earlier this year, Jagex SVP of product James Dobrowski told GamesIndustry.biz that the company has “a commitment that no generative AI will ever be present in any asset that a player can touch, hear or feel. There will be no generative AI in the game that they experience.”
“Where we are open to the use of AI is in things like tooling efficiency; how do we make the way we work more efficient in order to make our staff’s lives easier and allow us to produce better content. But we do not want to be using AI to drive creativity.”
Dobrowski stated that Jagex was undertaking external reviews with various partners to ensure that GenAI wasn’t making its way into games and promotional material.
“That commitment goes so far that we are now doing an audit and having a conversation with our various external partners that work with us to ensure that no AI is being used in inappropriate ways in any of their work that might filter through to the end game.”