Reports that Activision was selling generative AI-powered content for Call of Duty games surfaced last summer, but the American publisher has only now confirmed gamers’ fears.
Image source: Activision
Users of the ResetEra forum have noticed that the page for the military shooter Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 on the Steam service has confirmed from Activision that neural networks are being used to create game content.
«Our team is using generative AI tools to develop some in-game content,” reads a recent clarification from the creators of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
Wired sources report the use of AI in Yokai’s Wrath
Activision has been dogged by allegations of neural network use since Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, for which the company released an AI-generated Yokai’s Wrath pack for $15 in 2023.
Following the release of Black Ops 6, players suspected that AI was also used to create at least the festive loading screen (with a six-fingered zombie) and the Hard Breakup calling card (see image below).
Pay attention to the character’s sleeve and hairstyle.
Activision hasn’t specified what kind of content the AI will be used for. It’s one thing to get a loading screen as part of a Christmas event, but it’s another to grind for hours to unlock an AI painting or sell AI illustrations for money.
When Microsoft laid off 1,900 employees in its games division in January 2024, many 2D artists were among those laid off. Those who remained were forced to use AI and take courses to learn how to use these tools.