Activision Confirms Use of Generative AI in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 After 'AI Slop' Backlash

Activision, the maker of Call of Duty, has officially acknowledged the use of generative AI in the development of Black Ops 6, following months of speculation and fan backlash. The controversy began in December after the Season 1 Reloaded update, when players spotted what they believed to be AI-generated content in the game's loading screens, calling cards, and art related to Zombies community events.

The focal point of the uproar was a loading screen featuring 'Necroclaus,' a Zombie Santa image that some fans claimed showed the character with six fingers—a common flaw in AI-generated images, particularly with hands. Another image from a Zombies community event also depicted a gloved hand with an unusual number of fingers, further fueling suspicions.

The 'Necroclaus' image prompted a deeper investigation into other visuals within Black Ops 6, leading some community members to question the authenticity of images in paid bundles. Reddit user Shaun_LaDee pointed out several images with irregularities that could indicate 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

In response to fan outcry and new AI disclosure regulations on Steam, Activision has now included a general statement about AI use in Black Ops 6 on Valve’s platform, stating: "Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets."

Further scrutiny came from a Wired report in July, which revealed that Activision had sold an AI-generated cosmetic item as part of the Yokai’s Wrath bundle for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in December 2023. This bundle, priced at 1,500 COD Points (roughly $15), did not mention the use of AI in its store listing.

The use of AI at Activision has broader implications, especially following Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard and subsequent layoffs. Wired noted that Microsoft cut 1,900 jobs from its gaming division, with reports suggesting that AI was replacing 2D artists' roles. An anonymous Activision artist told the site that many 2D artists were laid off, and remaining concept artists were compelled to use AI in their work, with mandatory AI training sessions being promoted throughout the company.

Generative AI remains a contentious issue in the video game and entertainment industries, which have seen significant layoffs. Critics have pointed to ethical concerns, rights issues, and the technology's struggle to create engaging content. A notable example is Keywords Studios' attempt to develop an entirely AI-generated game, which failed, leading the company to conclude that AI could not replace human talent.