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 Confirms Generative AI Use in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Activision, the creator of the Call of Duty franchise, has finally acknowledged the use of generative AI in the development of Black Ops 6. This admission comes nearly three months after fans voiced concerns about the quality of certain in-game assets, particularly a "Zombie Santa" loading screen that appeared to have irregularities consistent with AI-generated imagery.

The controversy began in December with the release of the Season 1 Reloaded update. Players noticed anomalies in various loading screens, calling cards, and artwork related to Zombies community events. The most prominent example was the "Necroclaus" loading screen, depicting Zombie Santa with what appeared to be six fingers – a common issue with generative AI's struggle to accurately render hands.

This revelation follows a previous report by Wired detailing Activision's sale of an AI-generated cosmetic in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, a transaction that occurred without disclosure. This cosmetic, part of the Yokai's Wrath bundle released in December 2023 and costing 1,500 COD Points (approximately $15), generated revenue for Activision. The timing of this sale, coupled with subsequent layoffs within Activision Blizzard's gaming division, raised concerns about the displacement of 2D artists by AI.

The use of generative AI in game development remains a contentious issue, sparking debate about ethical considerations, intellectual property rights, and the overall quality of AI-generated content. Previous attempts to create entirely AI-driven games have proven unsuccessful, highlighting the limitations of current AI technology and the irreplaceable value of human creativity.