No, the Humankind 2 announcement trailer wasn't made with gen-AI, despite its similar look

Summary

During the Gamescom Opening Night Live pre-show, Amplitude Studios unveiled Humankind 2, the sequel to its acclaimed 2021 4X strategy game Humankind. The reveal trailer did not showcase much gameplay, instead presenting a swiftly moving cinematic montage that depicted Earth through various stages of human civilization. Almost immediately, viewers took to social media to express suspicions that the trailer had been generated using AI. The distinctive aesthetic—smooth, dreamlike transitions and slightly surreal imagery—resembled the output of popular generative AI tools, leading to widespread calls for the publisher to confirm or deny its use. Amplitude responded quickly, firmly stating that the trailer was not made with generative AI. This incident is significant because it underscores the gaming industry's current climate of heightened sensitivity and debate around AI-generated content. As players increasingly question the role of AI in artistic creation, even a perceived resemblance can trigger backlash and erode trust. For players, the episode raises concerns about the authenticity of promotional material and the integrity of the development team. For the industry, it highlights the urgent need for clear communication regarding AI usage, and suggests that developers must be proactive in clarifying their creative processes to avoid misunderstandings. Whether the trailer truly…