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

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 fans voiced concerns about the quality of certain in-game assets, particularly a controversial "Zombie Santa" loading screen.

The controversy began in December with the release of the Season 1 Reloaded update. Players noticed anomalies in several loading screens, calling cards, and artwork related to Zombies community events. The most prominent example was the Zombie Santa, or "Necroclaus," loading screen, which appeared to depict the character with six fingers – a common flaw in generative AI-produced images due to difficulties rendering hands accurately.

Further scrutiny revealed similar issues in other images, including a gloved hand with an unusual number of fingers in a community event graphic.

Following an online discussion highlighting these irregularities, particularly those in paid bundles, Activision added a disclosure to the Black Ops 6 Steam page stating: "Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets." This vague statement follows recent AI disclosure rules implemented on the platform.

This revelation follows a Wired report from July, which revealed Activision's sale of an AI-generated cosmetic item in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 the previous year, without disclosing its AI origins. This cosmetic was part of the Yokai's Wrath bundle, sold for 1,500 COD Points (approximately $15).

The Wired report also highlighted the potential displacement of 2D artists at Activision following significant layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division after its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Anonymous sources within Activision claimed that remaining artists were pressured to utilize AI tools in their work.

The use of generative AI in game development remains a contentious issue, raising ethical and rights concerns, and prompting questions about the quality and artistic merit of AI-generated content. Previous attempts to create entirely AI-driven games have proven unsuccessful, underscoring the limitations of current AI technology in replacing human creativity and artistry.