Activision Confirms AI Use in Black Ops 6 After 'AI Slop' Backlash

Activision, the developer behind Call of Duty, has finally acknowledged the use of generative AI in the creation of Black Ops 6, three months after fans accused the company of using AI to produce what they called "AI slop" in a Zombie Santa loading screen. The controversy erupted in December following the Season 1 Reloaded update, when fans spotted several signs of AI-generated content in loading screens, calling cards, and art used to illustrate Zombies community events.

The focal point of the backlash was the 'Necroclaus' loading screen, featuring Zombie Santa with what appeared to be six fingers—a common flaw in AI-generated images. Another image used to showcase a new Zombies community event also displayed a gloved hand with irregularities, hinting at up to seven digits.

The Zombie Santa image prompted a deeper investigation into other images within Black Ops 6, leading some in the Call of Duty community to question the authenticity of the art. A Redditor named Shaun_LaDee highlighted three images in paid bundles that showed irregularities suggestive of generative AI use.

Amid the 6 fingered Santa Controversy, I looked into some loading screens included in PAID bundles…
byu/Shaun_LaDee inCODZombies

Fans demanded that Activision disclose the use of generative AI in art sold within bundles. In response to new AI disclosure rules on Steam, Activision added a general statement to Black Ops 6's page, 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 the previous year, linked to the Yokai’s Wrath bundle, which cost 1,500 COD Points (approximately $15). The store did not disclose the use of AI for this bundle.

Following Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the company laid off 1,900 staff from its gaming business, with reports suggesting that 2D artists' jobs were being replaced by AI. An anonymous Activision artist told Wired that remaining concept artists were forced to use AI in their work and were required to undergo AI training.

Generative AI remains a hotly debated topic in the video game and entertainment industries, which have seen significant layoffs in recent years. Criticism from players and creators focuses on ethical issues, rights issues, and AI's challenges in producing content that resonates with audiences. Keywords Studios' attempt to create an entirely AI-generated game failed, with the company citing to investors that AI was "unable to replace talent."