Activision has finally acknowledged using generative AI in the development of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, nearly three months after fans raised concerns about AI-generated assets. The controversy ignited in December following the Season 1 Reloaded update, when players noticed anomalies in loading screens, calling cards, and in-game art related to the Zombies mode.
The most prominent example was the "Necroclaus" loading screen featuring Zombie Santa, which appeared to depict the character with six fingers—a common flaw in AI-generated imagery. A similar issue was found in an image showcasing a new Zombies community event, showing a hand with an unusual number of digits.
Further scrutiny revealed irregularities in other images included in paid bundles, fueling the debate. Redditor Shaun_LaDee highlighted several examples, prompting calls for Activision to be transparent about its use of AI in paid content.
In response to these concerns, and in light of new AI disclosure rules on Steam, Activision added a vague statement to the Black Ops 6 Steam page: “Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets.”
This admission follows a Wired report from July revealing that Activision sold an AI-generated cosmetic in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in December 2023, without disclosing its AI origins. This cosmetic, part of the Yokai’s Wrath bundle, cost 1,500 COD Points (approximately $15).
The Wired report also highlighted potential job displacement due to AI integration at Activision, citing anonymous sources claiming layoffs of 2D artists and the mandatory AI training of remaining staff.
The use of generative AI in the gaming industry remains controversial, sparking debate regarding ethical considerations, copyright issues, and the overall quality of AI-generated content. Keywords Studios' failed experiment in creating an entirely AI-driven game serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating the limitations of current AI technology in replacing human creativity and talent.
