Activision Confesses Using AI for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Assets After 'AI Slop' Backlash

Activision, the maker of Call of Duty, has finally acknowledged the use of generative AI in the development of Black Ops 6, following months of speculation and criticism from fans. The controversy began in December when the Season 1 Reloaded update was released, and players quickly pointed out several signs of AI use in the game's loading screens, calling cards, and explanatory art for Zombies community events.

The focal point of the backlash was a loading screen featuring 'Necroclaus,' a Zombie Santa character. Some fans noted that the image depicted the undead Santa with six fingers, a common flaw in AI-generated images due to the technology's difficulty in accurately rendering hands.

Another image used to showcase a Zombies community event also raised eyebrows, showing a gloved hand that appeared to have six fingers and no thumb, suggesting up to seven digits in total.

The controversy surrounding the Zombie Santa image prompted a broader examination of other images within Black Ops 6. Redditor Shaun_LaDee identified irregularities in images from paid bundles that hinted at the use of generative AI.

Amid the 6 fingered Santa Controversy, I looked into some loading screens included in PAID bundles…
byu/Shaun_LaDee inCODZombies

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In response to fan outcry and new AI disclosure rules on Steam, Activision has added a general disclosure to Black Ops 6's Steam page, stating: “Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in game assets.”

This admission comes after a report by Wired in July, which revealed that Activision had sold an AI-generated cosmetic for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in December 2023. The Yokai’s Wrath bundle, which cost 1,500 COD Points (approximately $15), did not disclose the use of AI at the time of sale.

The use of AI in game development has been a contentious issue, especially following Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard and subsequent layoffs of 1,900 staff from its gaming business. According to Wired, many 2D artists were let go, and remaining concept artists were pressured to use AI in their work. An anonymous Activision artist told the site that employees were “made” to sign up for AI training, which was promoted throughout the company.

The use of generative AI is a hot topic in the video game and entertainment industries, both of which have faced significant layoffs. Critics argue that AI raises ethical and rights issues, and often struggles to produce content that audiences find enjoyable. For example, Keywords Studios attempted to develop an experimental game using AI but reported to investors that the technology was “unable to replace talent.”