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 "Zombie Santa" (Necroclaus) image featuring a six-fingered hand—a common flaw in AI-generated imagery. Another image depicting a gloved hand also appeared to have extra fingers.
Further scrutiny revealed irregularities in other images included in paid bundles, fueling speculation about AI usage. Following pressure from fans and new AI disclosure rules 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 from July detailing Activision's sale of an unnamed AI-generated cosmetic in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s Yokai’s Wrath bundle (December 2023), priced at 1,500 COD Points (approximately $15). The report also alleged that layoffs of 2D artists at Activision were linked to increased AI implementation, with remaining artists reportedly forced to utilize AI tools.
The use of generative AI in game development remains a contentious issue, raising ethical and rights concerns, and highlighting AI's current limitations in producing consistently high-quality, enjoyable content. Keywords Studios' failed experiment in creating an entirely AI-generated game underscores these challenges.
