Humankind 2 trailer shows real actors and custom sets

The excitement surrounding major game announcements often comes paired with some healthy doses of controversy. At the recent Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026, while developers unveiled a host of massive titles, one particular reveal—the follow-up strategy game Humankind 2—immediately sparked a debate about the role of generative AI in modern game production.

Amplitude Studios presented a cinematic trailer for Humankind 2, a sequel to the acclaimed 2021 title. However, the trailer quickly became the subject of online chatter, with some viewers questioning whether the stunning visuals were entirely the product of artificial intelligence. Accusations of the video being mere “AI slop” circulated rapidly across social media platforms.

In response to the growing skepticism, Amplitude Studio took to X to clarify the production process. They directly addressed the accusations, confirming that the live-action announcement trailer was not generated by AI.

“The Humankind 2‘s live-action announcement trailer was filmed at Nu Boyana Film Studios in Sofia using real actors, practical sets, and custom-made props created specifically for the production,” the studio stated. This response emphasized that the visual spectacle was rooted in tangible, physical production methods rather than purely digital generation.

To back up their claim, the developers indicated they plan to share behind-the-scenes images from the shoot soon, offering fans a direct look at the tangible effort behind the cinematic reveal.

Despite the studio’s clear explanation, the conversation continued. Fans remain divided, with some hopeful that the practical elements prove the trailer’s quality, while others continued to scrutinize the stills released during the Gamescom event.

It’s a difficult conversation to have when the boundaries of technology are constantly shifting. The reality is that generative AI is weaving itself into nearly every corner of the creative landscape, from concept art to final assets. This context only adds to the uneasiness felt by many viewers regarding the source of their entertainment.

Interestingly, the game is already available on Steam. This platform, in line with Valve’s requirements, mandates that developers disclose the use of controversial technologies like generative AI, adding another layer of transparency to the ongoing discussion surrounding game creation.