Activision, the creator of Call of Duty, has finally acknowledged the use of generative AI in the development of Black Ops 6. This admission comes nearly three months after fans accused the company of using AI to create subpar assets, specifically citing the “AI slop” Zombie Santa loading screen.
Following the Season 1 Reloaded update in December, players noticed several irregularities in Black Ops 6's loading screens, calling cards, and in-game art related to Zombies community events. The controversy centered around a loading screen depicting Zombie Santa, or "Necroclaus," which appeared to have six fingers—a common flaw in AI-generated imagery. Another image, showcasing a gloved hand for a new Zombies event, also exhibited a similar six-fingered anomaly.
The initial outcry over the Zombie Santa image prompted a closer examination of other Black Ops 6 assets. Redditor Shaun_LaDee highlighted three images from paid bundles, pointing out further inconsistencies suggestive of AI generation. This led to calls for Activision to disclose its use of AI, particularly for paid content. Following new AI disclosure guidelines 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, which revealed that Activision sold an AI-generated cosmetic for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in December 2023, part of the Yokai’s Wrath bundle, without disclosing the AI's involvement. This bundle cost 1,500 COD Points (approximately $15 USD).
Wired also highlighted the potential displacement of 2D artists at Activision, citing anonymous sources claiming layoffs and mandatory AI training. The use of generative AI in the gaming industry is a complex issue, sparking debate surrounding ethical concerns, copyright issues, and the overall quality of AI-generated content. Keywords Studios' failed attempt to create a fully AI-generated game further underscores the limitations of current AI technology in replacing human talent.
