Activision Finally Admits It Uses Generative AI for Some Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Assets After Backlash Following 'AI Slop' Zombie Santa Loading Screen News - Latest Updates and Information

Activision, the maker of Call of Duty, has officially acknowledged the use of generative AI in the development of Black Ops 6, following months of speculation and criticism from fans. The controversy erupted in December after the Season 1 Reloaded update, when players spotted what they believed to be AI-generated elements in the game's loading screens, calling cards, and Zombies community event art.

The focal point of the backlash was a loading screen featuring 'Necroclaus,' or Zombie Santa, which some fans pointed out appeared to have six fingers—a common issue with generative AI, which often struggles with accurately rendering hands. This observation led to further scrutiny of other images within Black Ops 6, with some community members, including Redditor Shaun_LaDee, identifying similar anomalies in images from paid bundles, suggesting widespread use of AI in the game's art.

Black Ops 6's 'Necroclaus' loading screen. Image credit: Activision Publishing.

The central image includes a gloved hand with some odd things going on. Image credit: Activision Publishing.

In response to community outcry and new AI disclosure requirements on Steam, Activision has updated Black Ops 6's listing with a general statement about using generative AI for some in-game assets. This move comes after reports surfaced about Activision selling AI-generated cosmetics, such as the Yokai’s Wrath bundle for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, without prior disclosure. Priced at 1,500 COD Points (approximately $15), these bundles contribute significantly to Activision's revenue.

The use of AI in game development has been a contentious issue, particularly following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and subsequent layoffs, which reportedly affected 2D artists. An anonymous Activision artist told Wired that many 2D artists were laid off and that remaining concept artists were pressured to use AI tools, with mandatory AI training sessions becoming part of the company culture.

The broader entertainment and gaming industries have been grappling with the implications of generative AI, especially as it relates to job displacement and the quality of AI-generated content. The failure of Keywords Studios' attempt to create a game using AI underscores the technology's limitations and the challenges it poses to traditional creative roles within the industry.