Humankind 2's Official Reveal Trailer Features No AI, Developer Confirms

Humankind 2 Developer Fights Back Against AI Accusations Published Aug 25, 2026, 2:45 PM EDT Niall (pronounced Ny-ul) is a UK-based writer who has been writing about Magic: The Gathering throughout his entire career, with everything from new set breakdowns and individual deck guides to offering his opinions on the state of formats and the general direction of the iconic TCG. Niall also has a rich history covering triple-A releases, sports games, and PC hardware. Gamescom 2026 is underway, and controversy is already brewing after the Opening Night Live pre-show, where one game's official debut drew accusations of AI use. Humankind 2 was officially revealed during the show with a trailer, but the live-action sequences look suspiciously AI, with no disclosures given anywhere on the official YouTube channel or the video itself. Shortly after the trailer dropped, however, the official Twitter/X account responded, saying no AI was used and that it will share images of the actors soon. Updated 15:00 ET: The official Humankind Twitter/X account has now released a statement saying that the trailer was filmed at Mu Boyana Film Studios in Sofia. Real actors were used on practical sets with custom-made props. It also reaffirms that behind-the-scenes photos will be coming soon. The original Humankind was released in 2021, so this follow-up is coming relatively quickly given the current pace of the gaming market. However, any hype players may have felt has quickly turned to confusion, as the reveal trailer features live-action segments that some are calling "AI slop," among other stronger criticisms. On YouTube, many comments focus on the use of AI, with some even defending the trailer as true live-action, but many also come across as sarcastic, or the commenters offer no tangible reason the trailer isn't using AI. While strategy/civilization games like Humankind are remembered for everything but their graphics, the immediate conversation around Humankind 2 became an accusation of AI use in the trailer, rather than the game itself, but this very quickly backfired. Shortly after the trailer went live, in response to a post that has since been deleted, the official Humankind Twitter/X account confirmed that no AI was used in the trailer's production. It even says it will show images of the actors, so players shouldn't worry. For now, that should put the debate to bed regarding the use of AI in the trailer, and hopefully it extends to the game itself. AI continues to be a hot topic that is met with huge negativity, especially so in a creative field like the gaming industry, which is why disclaimers like the ones required on Steam game pages are important. That's also why transparency like this matters: it helps put gamers' worries to rest.