Activision Confirms AI Use in Call of Duty After Backlash

Activision, the maker of Call of Duty, has finally acknowledged using generative AI in the development of Black Ops 6, nearly three months after fans accused the company of creating subpar assets, notably a controversial "AI slop" Zombie Santa loading screen. The backlash began in December, after the Season 1 Reloaded update revealed several loading screens, calling cards, and in-game art with telltale signs of AI generation.

The most criticized image was a loading screen featuring Zombie Santa, or "Necroclaus," which appeared to depict the undead Father Christmas with six fingers—a common error for generative AI. Another image, showcasing a new Zombies community event, featured a gloved hand with what seemed to be six fingers and no thumb.

The controversy surrounding Zombie Santa prompted a closer examination of other Black Ops 6 assets. Redditor Shaun_LaDee highlighted irregularities in several images included in paid bundles, further fueling speculation about AI usage. Following calls for transparency and in response to 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, which revealed that Activision sold an unnamed AI-generated cosmetic in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 last year, part of the Yokai’s Wrath bundle released in December 2023. This bundle, costing 1,500 COD Points (approximately $15), generated revenue for Activision. Wired also reported on alleged layoffs of 2D artists and the forced adoption of AI tools within Activision.

The use of generative AI in game development is a contentious issue, raising ethical and rights concerns, and prompting debate about the technology’s ability to produce high-quality, enjoyable content. Keywords Studios’ failed experiment in creating an entirely AI-generated game underscores the limitations of current AI technology in replacing human talent.