Activision has already started selling generative AI content for Call of Duty, but hasn’t told anyone about it

Wired, as part of an investigation into the use of generative AI in the gaming industry, found that paid content created using neural networks was released for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in 2023.

Image Source: Activision

We are talking about the Yokai’s Wrath (“Yokai’s Rage”) set worth 1,500 Call of Duty points (about $15), which debuted in the Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone store at the end of 2023, in December.

Although the kit (which part of it, Wired does not specify) was created using AI, the product page did not contain any mention of this. Yokai’s Wrath includes an operator skin, blueprint, calling card, weapon decal, and loading screen.

Image source: X (DETONATED)

As Wired reports, Activision approved the use of ChatGPT and generative AI in work on concept art (including advertising) in July 2023, but assured that neural networks would not be used to create the final version of the materials.

When Microsoft laid off 1,900 employees from its gaming division in January, many 2D artists were laid off. Those who remained were forced to use AI and also enroll in courses to learn how to use these tools.

Microsoft completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard in October 2023 (Image source: IGN)

Blizzard Entertainment, part of Activision Blizzard, allegedly prohibits employees from using publicly available AI tools, but, like Riot Games, is developing its own.

Ubisoft believes that generative AI will help make games “more interesting and more personalized,” the head of EA sees a billion-dollar opportunity in the technology, and Nintendo will make do on its own.