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.

In December 2023, following the Season 1 Reloaded update, players noticed anomalies in several Black Ops 6 loading screens, calling cards, and artwork. The main point of contention was a depiction of Zombie Santa, or "Necroclaus," which appeared to have six fingers. This is a common issue with generative AI, which often struggles with accurately rendering hands.

Further fueling the controversy, another image featuring a gloved hand, used to showcase a new Zombies community event, also seemed to depict six fingers, lacking a thumb.

The outcry prompted a closer examination of other Black Ops 6 assets, leading to further accusations of AI usage. A Reddit user, Shaun_LaDee, highlighted irregularities in several images included in paid bundles.

Following pressure from fans and in light of new AI disclosure regulations on Steam, Activision added a general disclosure to the Black Ops 6 Steam page: "Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets."

This revelation follows a July 2024 report by Wired, which revealed that Activision had previously sold an AI-generated cosmetic for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 without disclosing its AI origins. This cosmetic was part of the Yokai's Wrath bundle, priced at 1,500 COD Points (approximately $15).

The use of generative AI by Activision, particularly in the context of layoffs within its art department, has raised ethical concerns. One anonymous Activision artist told Wired that numerous 2D artists were laid off, and remaining artists were then required to utilize AI in their work.

The gaming industry's increasing reliance on generative AI, coupled with recent widespread layoffs, continues to spark debate surrounding ethical considerations, copyright issues, and the overall quality of AI-generated content. Previous attempts to create entirely AI-driven games have proven unsuccessful, highlighting the limitations of current AI technology in replacing human creativity and skill.