Activision has finally acknowledged using generative AI in the development of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, nearly three months after fans accused the company of using AI to create subpar assets, specifically citing the "AI slop" Zombie Santa loading screen. The controversy began in December, after the Season 1 Reloaded update. Fans noticed irregularities in several loading screens, calling cards, and in-game art related to Zombies community events. The most prominent example was the Zombie Santa (Necroclaus) loading screen, which appeared to depict the character with six fingers—a common flaw in AI-generated imagery.
Further scrutiny revealed similar issues in other images, including a gloved hand with an unusual number of fingers in artwork promoting a new Zombies community event.
Redditor Shaun_LaDee highlighted additional irregularities in paid bundles, further fueling the debate. Following pressure from fans and new AI disclosure rules on Steam, Activision added a vague statement to the Black Ops 6 Steam page: "Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets."
This admission follows a Wired report from July, revealing that Activision sold an AI-generated cosmetic in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in December 2023 (part of the Yokai's Wrath bundle), without disclosing the AI's involvement. This cosmetic cost 1,500 COD Points (approximately $15), contributing to Activision's substantial revenue from in-game purchases. Wired also reported that Microsoft, Activision's parent company, laid off 1,900 gaming employees shortly after, with allegations that some 2D artists' jobs were replaced by AI. Activision employees reportedly underwent mandatory AI training, highlighting the company's increased reliance on this technology.
The use of generative AI in game development remains a contentious issue, raising ethical and rights concerns, alongside questions about the quality of AI-generated content. Keywords Studios' failed experiment in creating an entirely AI-driven game underscores the limitations of current AI technology and its inability to fully replace human talent.
