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, specifically citing a controversial "AI slop" Zombie Santa loading screen.

Following the Season 1 Reloaded update in December, players noticed several anomalies in Black Ops 6's loading screens, calling cards, and in-game art explaining Zombies community events. The main point of contention was a loading screen depicting Zombie Santa, or "Necroclaus," which appeared to have six fingers—a common flaw in AI-generated images. Another image, showcasing a new Zombies community event, featured a gloved hand with what seemed to be six fingers and no thumb.

The controversy surrounding Zombie Santa prompted a closer examination of other Black Ops 6 assets. Redditor Shaun_LaDee highlighted irregularities in three images from paid bundles, further fueling speculation about AI usage. This led to calls for Activision to disclose its use of generative AI, especially for paid content. Following new AI disclosure rules 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 revelation follows a Wired report from July, which revealed 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), generating revenue for Activision. Wired also reported that Microsoft, Activision'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, with the company actively promoting AI usage.

The use of generative AI in the gaming industry remains a contentious issue, raising ethical and rights concerns, and facing criticism due to the technology's limitations in producing high-quality, enjoyable content. Keywords Studios' failed experiment in creating an entirely AI-generated game serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting AI's inability to fully replace human talent.