Activision, the developer behind Call of Duty, has officially acknowledged the use of generative AI in the creation of Black Ops 6, following months of speculation and criticism from fans. The controversy erupted in December after the Season 1 Reloaded update, when players spotted several anomalies in the game's loading screens, calling cards, and art related to Zombies community events.
The focal point of the backlash was a loading screen featuring Zombie Santa, dubbed 'Necroclaus,' which some fans pointed out had six fingers—a common error in AI-generated images. This issue with hands is a well-known challenge for generative AI, often resulting in extra fingers or other inaccuracies.
Another image used to illustrate a new Zombies community event also raised eyebrows, showing a gloved hand with what appeared to be six fingers and no thumb, suggesting up to seven digits. This led to a broader examination of other images within Black Ops 6, with some community members, like Redditor Shaun_LaDee, identifying further irregularities in paid bundles that hinted at the use of generative AI.
Amidst growing scrutiny, fans demanded transparency from Activision regarding the use of AI in art sold within the game. In response to new AI disclosure rules on Steam, Activision added a general statement to Black Ops 6's page on the platform, stating, "Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets."
This admission comes after reports from Wired in July, which revealed that Activision had sold an AI-generated cosmetic for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in December 2023, part of the Yokai’s Wrath bundle. This bundle, priced at 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 acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $69 billion and subsequent layoffs of 1,900 staff from its gaming division. Reports suggest that these layoffs disproportionately affected 2D artists, with remaining concept artists being pressured to use AI tools. An anonymous Activision artist told Wired, "A lot of 2D artists were laid off. Remaining concept artists were then forced to use AI to aid in their work."
The broader entertainment and video game industries have seen significant layoffs, and the use of generative AI has sparked debates over ethics, rights, and the quality of AI-generated content. An example is Keywords Studios' failed attempt to create an entirely AI-generated game, which they later admitted to investors was "unable to replace talent."
