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.

Following the Season 1 Reloaded update in December, players noticed several irregularities in Black Ops 6 loading screens, calling cards, and in-game art related to Zombies community events. The most criticized image was a loading screen depicting Zombie Santa, or "Necroclaus," which appeared to feature six fingers. This is a common issue with generative AI, which often struggles with accurately rendering hands.

Another questionable image, showcasing a gloved hand in a new Zombies community event, also seemed to depict six fingers, lacking a thumb.

The controversy surrounding the Zombie Santa image prompted a closer examination of other Black Ops 6 assets. Redditor Shaun_LaDee highlighted three images from paid bundles that exhibited similar irregularities, further fueling speculation about AI usage.

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

Following pressure from fans and new AI disclosure rules on Steam, Activision added a vague disclosure 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, 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, suggesting widespread adoption of the technology within the company.

The use of generative AI in the gaming industry remains a contentious topic, raising ethical and rights concerns, and its effectiveness remains questionable. Keywords Studios' failed experiment in creating an entirely AI-generated game highlights the limitations of current AI technology in replacing human talent.