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, the maker of Call of Duty, has finally acknowledged using generative AI in the development of Black Ops 6. This admission comes nearly three months after fans accused the company of using AI to create subpar assets, notably a controversial "AI slop" Zombie Santa loading screen.

The controversy began in December, after the Season 1 Reloaded update. Fans noticed several anomalies in Black Ops 6 loading screens, calling cards, and in-game art related to Zombies community events. The main point of contention was a loading screen depicting 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 scrutiny revealed another image, showcasing a gloved hand with what appeared to be six fingers and no thumb, suggesting seven digits in total, within a new Zombies community event graphic.

The Zombie Santa image sparked a wider investigation into other Black Ops 6 assets. Redditor Shaun_LaDee highlighted three images from paid bundles exhibiting similar irregularities, further fueling suspicions of AI usage. This led to calls for Activision to disclose its use of generative AI, especially for paid content. Following new AI disclosure guidelines on Steam, Activision added a vague statement to Black Ops 6's Steam page: "Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets."

This admission follows a Wired report from July, revealing that Activision sold an AI-generated cosmetic for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in December 2023, as part of the Yokai’s Wrath bundle, without disclosing the AI's involvement. This bundle cost 1,500 COD Points (approximately $15), contributing to Activision's substantial revenue from in-game purchases.

Wired also reported that Microsoft, Activision Blizzard's parent company, laid off 1,900 gaming employees shortly after this sale, with allegations that some 2D artists' jobs were replaced by AI. Activision employees reportedly underwent mandatory AI training, indicating a company-wide push towards AI integration.

The use of generative AI in gaming remains a contentious issue, raising ethical and rights concerns, as well as questions about its ability to produce high-quality, enjoyable content. Keywords Studios' failed experiment with an entirely AI-generated game highlights the limitations of current AI technology and its inability to fully replace human talent.