After AI Slop Accusations, Humankind 2 Studio Says Its New Trailer Was Definitely "Made By Humankind" And At Least Five Chickens

Following the debut of the announcement trailer for Humankind 2 at Gamescom Opening Night Live, a significant wave of online skepticism emerged. Numerous viewers accused the developers of utilizing artificial intelligence to generate the promotional footage, with many labeling the video as AI-generated content. The visual style of the trailer sparked intense debate, prompting the game's creators to address the allegations directly.

In response to the growing skepticism, developer Amplitude Studios has firmly denied any involvement of generative artificial intelligence in the creation of the trailer. To substantiate their defense, the studio released a comprehensive behind-the-scenes video demonstrating the physical production process. This newly released footage showcases the extensive human effort and physical resources that went into crafting the short promotional piece.

According to an email statement sent by Amplitude Studios to Eurogamer, the reveal trailer was constructed using a sophisticated blend of traditional filmmaking techniques. The production integrated live-action filming, physical sets, custom-built props, and hand-crafted costumes. These real-world elements were then enhanced with visual effects and computer-generated imagery to condense thousands of years of human history into a brief cinematic sequence.

The behind-the-scenes footage confirms that Amplitude Studios collaborated once again with BETC, a creative agency that has previously worked on promotional campaigns for the Humankind franchise. The production also featured a diverse cast of animal actors alongside the human crew. The studio jokingly noted that the project was completed with the help of at least five chickens, a pig, a snake, three horses, and a group of rats, all of whom assisted in bringing the historical scenes to life.

Addressing the uncanny aesthetic that likely triggered the initial AI accusations, observers noted that the trailer features highly exaggerated computer graphics and rapid, frantic camera movements. These stylistic choices may have inadvertently mimicked the fluid, unnatural look often associated with generative AI tools. However, the behind-the-scenes breakdown clarifies that the digital effects were executed through traditional post-production methods handled by the visual effects studio LiveFX.

The upcoming turn-based strategy sequel represents a major milestone for Amplitude Studios, marking their first major release since separating from Sega in 2024 during a period of corporate restructuring. Humankind 2 aims to build upon the foundation of its predecessor by introducing a redesigned user interface, overhauled progression mechanics, and enhanced graphical fidelity. The game is currently scheduled to launch sometime in 2027, with more details expected to be shared in the near future.