Games

Humankind 2 Trailer: Real Actors, Not AI, Confirms Studio

authorBy Roberta Williams

DateAug 25, 2026

Read Time2 min

Following its debut at Gamescom's Opening Night Live, the announcement trailer for Humankind 2 has stirred discussions, with many viewers questioning if artificial intelligence played a role in its creation. Developer Amplitude Studios has now explicitly clarified that the cinematic presentation was meticulously crafted using traditional filmmaking techniques, employing real actors, tangible sets, and bespoke props, directly addressing and dispelling any such speculation.

The studio, in a statement to PC Gamer, confirmed the trailer's production at Nu Boyana Film Studios in Sofia. They emphasized that every visual element, from the characters to the environment, was brought to life through practical means, underscoring their commitment to authentic artistry. To further substantiate their claims, Amplitude Studios intends to release exclusive behind-the-scenes content, offering a glimpse into the elaborate process behind the trailer's production.

Early glimpses of the production process reveal actors on sound stages adorned with partial sets, against typical blue screens used for post-production compositing. This detail underscores the blend of traditional craft with modern visual effects, even as the studio remains silent on the specifics of how complex backdrops—like the monumental tornado or a cosmic void—were realized. It's plausible these larger-than-life elements might have been generated using conventional CGI, a common practice in modern film and game trailers.

The original Humankind was recognized as a solid 4X title, praised for its engaging gameplay but noted for a desire for more distinct character. The upcoming sequel, Humankind 2, aims to build upon this foundation by introducing significant enhancements. Players can anticipate novel progression systems, innovative gameplay features, visually refined graphics, a streamlined user interface, and overall gameplay improvements, promising a richer and more immersive experience for fans of the strategy genre.

Humankind 2 is slated for a PC release in 2027. Further details and updates are available on its dedicated Steam page, inviting prospective players to explore more about what the title will offer.

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Rethinking Card Types in Magic: The Gathering

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