Activision Confirms Use of Generative AI in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 After 'AI Slop' Backlash

Activision, the maker of Call of Duty, has finally acknowledged the use of generative AI in the development of Black Ops 6, following months of speculation and criticism from fans. The controversy erupted in December, shortly after the Season 1 Reloaded update, when players noticed several anomalies in the game's loading screens, calling cards, and explanatory art for Zombies community events.

The focal point of the backlash was a loading screen featuring Zombie Santa, or 'Necroclaus,' which some fans pointed out depicted the undead Santa with six fingers—a common error in AI-generated imagery. Generative AI often has difficulty accurately rendering hands, leading to such mistakes.

Another image used to promote a new Zombies community event showed a gloved hand that appeared to have six fingers and no thumb visible, suggesting a total of seven digits. This sparked further scrutiny of other images within Black Ops 6, with some in the community questioning the authenticity of art included in paid bundles.

Redditor Shaun_LaDee highlighted three specific images from paid bundles that displayed irregularities indicative of AI use. This led to a community outcry for Activision to disclose the use of generative AI, especially for content sold within the game. In response to new AI disclosure rules on Steam, Activision has now included a general statement in Black Ops 6's Steam AI Generated Content Disclosure, stating: "Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets."

In July, Wired reported that Activision had sold an AI-generated cosmetic for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 last year, linked to the Yokai’s Wrath bundle released in December 2023. This bundle, costing 1,500 COD Points (approximately $15), did not disclose its use of AI. The sale of such items contributes significantly to Activision's revenue, which runs into hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

Wired also highlighted that Microsoft, which acquired Activision Blizzard for $69 billion last year, laid off 1,900 staff from its gaming business shortly after the sale of the AI-generated skin. An anonymous Activision artist told Wired that many 2D artists were laid off, and remaining concept artists were required to use AI in their work. Employees were reportedly compelled to participate in AI training sessions, with the use of AI being promoted throughout the company.

The use of generative AI remains a contentious issue in the video game and entertainment industries, both of which have faced significant layoffs in recent years. The technology has been criticized for ethical concerns, rights issues, and its inability to produce content that resonates with audiences. For example, Keywords Studios attempted to develop an entirely AI-generated game but reported to investors that AI was "unable to replace talent," underscoring the limitations of the technology in creative endeavors.