Activision has finally acknowledged using generative AI in the development of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, nearly three months after player accusations surfaced regarding the use of AI in creating game assets. The controversy began in December with the Season 1 Reloaded update, where fans noticed irregularities in loading screens, calling cards, and in-game art related to the Zombies mode.
A key point of contention was the "Necroclaus" loading screen depicting Zombie Santa, which appeared to show the character with six fingers – a common flaw in AI-generated images struggling with hand rendering. A similar issue was found in an image showcasing a new Zombies community event, featuring a gloved hand with what appeared to be six fingers and no thumb.
These observations sparked a wider examination of Black Ops 6 assets, with Redditor Shaun_LaDee highlighting further irregularities in paid bundles, fueling speculation about AI involvement. Following pressure from fans and new AI disclosure rules on Steam, Activision added a vague statement to the game's Steam page: "Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets."
This admission follows a Wired report from July revealing Activision's sale of an AI-generated cosmetic in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in 2023, without initial disclosure. This cosmetic, part of the Yokai's Wrath bundle, cost 1,500 COD Points (approximately $15), generating revenue for Activision. The report also linked the company's use of AI to layoffs within its 2D art department, alleging that artists were forced to use AI tools and underwent mandatory AI training.
The use of generative AI in video game development remains a contentious issue, raising ethical concerns, copyright questions, and doubts about the quality of AI-generated content. Keywords Studios' failed experiment in creating an entirely AI-driven game further underscores the limitations of current AI technology in replacing human creative talent.
