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 has finally acknowledged the use of generative AI in the development of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, following months of fan speculation. The admission comes after players noticed irregularities in several in-game assets, particularly a controversial "Necroclaus" loading screen featuring a Zombie Santa with seemingly six fingers. This, along with other images displaying extra digits on hands, led to widespread accusations of using AI-generated art.

Further scrutiny revealed similar anomalies in other in-game assets included in paid bundles. A Reddit user, Shaun_LaDee, highlighted these inconsistencies, fueling the debate surrounding Activision's use of AI.

Pressure mounted on Activision to disclose their AI practices, especially in light of new AI disclosure regulations on platforms like Steam. The company subsequently added a brief statement to the Black Ops 6 Steam page, confirming the use of generative AI tools for "some in-game assets."

This revelation follows a previous report by Wired, which revealed that Activision sold an AI-generated cosmetic in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 without disclosing its AI origins. This cosmetic, part of the Yokai's Wrath bundle, was sold for 1,500 COD Points (approximately $15), contributing to Activision's substantial revenue stream from in-game purchases.

The use of AI in game development has raised significant concerns, particularly regarding ethical considerations, intellectual property rights, and the overall quality of AI-generated content. Keywords Studios' failed attempt to create an entirely AI-driven game underscores the limitations of current AI technology and its inability to fully replace human talent. This, coupled with recent layoffs in the gaming industry, further complicates the discussion surrounding AI's role in game development.