Activision Confirms Generative AI Use in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Activision, the creator of the Call of Duty franchise, has finally acknowledged the use of generative AI in the development of Black Ops 6. This admission comes nearly three months after players raised concerns about the quality of certain in-game assets, particularly a controversial "Zombie Santa" loading screen.
Following the Season 1 Reloaded update, fans noticed irregularities in various Black Ops 6 loading screens, calling cards, and artwork, leading to accusations of using AI-generated "slop." The central point of contention was the Zombie Santa ("Necroclaus") loading screen, which appeared to depict Santa Claus with six fingers – a common flaw in AI-generated images that struggle with accurate hand rendering.
Following pressure from fans and in light of new AI disclosure regulations on Steam, Activision added a vague disclosure to Black Ops 6's Steam page: "Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets."
This revelation follows a July report by Wired, which revealed that Activision had previously sold an unnamed AI-generated cosmetic in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, part of the Yokai's Wrath bundle released in December 2023, without disclosing its AI origins. This cosmetic was sold for 1,500 COD Points (approximately $15), contributing to Activision's substantial revenue from in-game purchases.
The Wired report also connected the use of AI in asset creation to layoffs within Activision's art department, alleging that 2D artists were replaced by AI, and remaining artists were pressured to utilize AI tools.
The use of generative AI in game development 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 serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the limitations of AI in replacing human talent.
