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 irregularities in loading screens, calling cards, and in-game art related to Zombies community events.
A particularly contentious image was the Zombie Santa ("Necroclaus") loading screen, which appeared to depict the undead holiday figure with six fingers—a common flaw in AI-generated imagery. Another image, showcasing a new Zombies community event, featured a gloved hand with seemingly six fingers and no thumb.
These anomalies prompted further scrutiny of other Black Ops 6 assets, leading Redditor Shaun_LaDee to highlight irregularities in images included in paid bundles. Following this and new AI disclosure rules on Steam, Activision added a general disclosure to the game's Steam page stating, "Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets."
This admission follows a Wired report from July, which revealed that Activision sold an unnamed AI-generated cosmetic in the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Yokai's Wrath bundle (released December 2023), without disclosing the AI's involvement. This bundle cost 1,500 COD Points (approximately $15), contributing to Activision's substantial revenue from in-game purchases.
Wired also reported that Microsoft, Activision Blizzard's parent company, cut 1,900 jobs from its gaming division shortly after this sale, with allegations that some 2D artists' roles were replaced by AI. Activision employees reportedly underwent mandatory AI training, highlighting the company's increased reliance on the technology.
The use of generative AI in game development remains a contentious issue, sparking debate about ethical concerns, copyright implications, and the technology's ability to consistently produce high-quality, enjoyable content. Keywords Studios' failed experiment in creating an entirely AI-generated game serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating AI's limitations in replacing human talent.
