Amplitude Games has confirmed that the announcement trailer for Humankind 2, revealed during Gamescom Opening Night Live, was not created using generative AI. The developer issued a statement to address widespread speculation among players who noted a stylistic resemblance to AI-generated content.
The trailer, which showcases a cinematic montage of Earth's history from a newborn's perspective, led many to suspect the use of AI tools due to its appearance, particularly the rendering of characters and backgrounds. This prompted the studio to clarify the production methods.
According to Amplitude, the trailer was filmed on practical sets at Nu Boyana Film Studios in Sofia, Bulgaria. The production utilized real actors, custom-made props, and live-action filming techniques. The developer also stated that behind-the-scenes images from the shoot would be shared soon.
The visual style, characterized by a fisheye lens and smooth lighting that reduces texture detail, has been noted as similar to many AI-generated videos circulating online. This has contributed to a growing caution and distrust among audiences, leading to quick accusations of AI use whenever content exhibits certain aesthetic qualities. The studio's response highlights the increasing need for developers to be prepared to clarify their creative processes in the face of evolving AI technology and public perception.
Humankind 2 is slated for a 2027 release on PC. The game builds upon its predecessor, a 4X strategy title that allowed players to forge their own civilizations by blending historical cultural influences across different eras.
In a review of the first Humankind, Eurogamer noted that the game struggled to consistently realize its ambitions, finding a balance between playfulness and historical authenticity.