Activision Confirms AI Use in Call of Duty After Backlash

Activision has finally acknowledged using generative AI in the development of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, three months after fans raised concerns about AI-generated assets. The controversy stemmed from several loading screens, calling cards, and in-game art, notably a six-fingered Zombie Santa, a common AI flaw. The unusual number of fingers on the "Necroclaus" loading screen and a similarly flawed hand image in a community event graphic sparked widespread debate.

Further scrutiny revealed irregularities in images included in paid bundles, fueling speculation. Redditor Shaun_LaDee highlighted these inconsistencies, prompting calls for transparency regarding AI usage in paid content. Following new AI disclosure regulations on Steam, Activision added a vague statement to Black Ops 6's Steam page: “Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets.”

This admission follows a Wired report revealing Activision's sale of an unnamed AI-generated cosmetic in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in December 2023, part of the Yokai’s Wrath bundle, priced at 1,500 COD Points (approximately $15). The report also alleged that layoffs of 2D artists coincided with increased AI implementation, with remaining artists reportedly forced to utilize AI tools. Activision employees were allegedly mandated to undergo AI training.

The use of generative AI in gaming remains a contentious issue, raising ethical and rights concerns alongside questions about the quality and appeal of AI-generated content. Keywords Studios' failed experiment in creating an entirely AI-driven game underscores the limitations of current AI technology in replacing human creativity and expertise.