Activision Finally Admits It Uses Generative AI for Some Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Assets After Backlash Following 'AI Slop' Zombie Santa Loading Screen

Activision Confirms Generative AI Use in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Activision has finally acknowledged the use of generative AI in the development of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, following months of fan speculation and criticism. The admission comes nearly three months after players noticed irregularities in several in-game assets, including loading screens, calling cards, and artwork related to Zombies community events.

The controversy initially centered around a loading screen featuring "Necroclaus," a Zombie Santa depicted with what appeared to be six fingers – a common flaw in AI-generated images. A similar issue was observed in an image showcasing a new Zombies event, showing a hand with an unusual number of digits.

Further scrutiny revealed additional inconsistencies in images included in paid bundles, fueling suspicions of AI involvement. Following pressure from fans and in light of new AI disclosure regulations on Steam, Activision added a general disclosure to Black Ops 6's Steam page stating, "Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets."

This revelation follows a Wired report from July, which detailed Activision's sale of an unnamed AI-generated cosmetic in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 last year, a transaction that did not disclose the use of AI. This cosmetic was part of the Yokai's Wrath bundle, sold for 1,500 COD Points (approximately $15).

The timing of this disclosure, coupled with the Wired report's allegations of layoffs among 2D artists and the forced adoption of AI tools within Activision, has raised concerns about the ethical implications of AI in game development and the potential displacement of human artists.

The use of generative AI in gaming remains a contentious issue, with ongoing debates surrounding ethical concerns, copyright implications, and the overall quality of AI-generated content. Previous attempts to create games entirely with AI have proven unsuccessful, highlighting the limitations of current technology and the irreplaceable value of human creativity and talent.