The gaming industry's relationship with artificial intelligence has taken another significant turn as Activision officially acknowledges what many players have suspected for months. Following a new policy from Valve requiring transparency about AI implementation in games on its platform, Activision has finally confirmed the use of AI-generated assets in its flagship franchise Call of Duty.
The Confirmation Comes After Months of Speculation
Activision has officially disclosed that it uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, as now stated on the game's Steam page. This confirmation follows months of player speculation and evidence pointing to AI-generated content within the franchise. The disclosure appears to be a direct response to Steam's January 2025 policy change requiring developers to be transparent about AI usage in their games.
Telltale Signs Had Already Alerted Players
Sharp-eyed fans had noticed suspicious elements in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 as early as last year. The most compelling evidence came in the form of a holiday-themed loading screen featuring a zombie Santa Claus (officially named Necroclaus) with six fingers on one hand—a common artifact in AI-generated imagery. Additional examples included multi-digit hands in Zombies Gobblegum promotional materials and the Hard Breakup calling card featuring a woman with hair and buckles that exhibited characteristics typical of AI-generated art.
 |
|---|
| An example of the character design in Call of Duty, indicative of potential generative AI influences in the game |
Timing Coincides With Industry Layoffs
The timing of Activision's implementation of AI tools has raised concerns within the gaming community. According to reports, the company began approving the use of certain generative AI tools for concept art and marketing materials in mid-2023—the same year that Activision Blizzard laid off approximately 1,900 employees. This coincidence has fueled criticism that AI might be replacing human creative talent rather than simply augmenting it.
Monetization of AI-Generated Content Sparks Controversy
Further controversy stems from Activision's monetization of potentially AI-generated content. Reports indicate that by the end of 2023, the company had released the USD $15 Yokai's Wrath bundle in the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 store, which allegedly contained AI-generated elements. Players have expressed frustration at paying real money for content that may have been created using automated tools rather than human artists.
Disclosure Remains Deliberately Vague
Despite the confirmation, Activision's disclosure statement remains notably vague. The phrase some in-game assets could encompass a wide range of content, from cosmetic items to environmental textures. Interestingly, while the disclosure appears on Black Ops 6's Steam page, no such statement has yet been added to Modern Warfare 3's page, despite evidence of AI usage in that title as well.
Some AI Applications Deemed More Acceptable
Not all of Activision's AI implementations have faced the same level of criticism. The company's use of AI for identifying cheaters in Call of Duty and for moderating in-game chat has been generally better received. According to reports, the AI-powered chat moderation system has resulted in a 43% reduction in toxic behavior, suggesting that certain applications of the technology may be more welcome than others.
The Future of AI in Game Development
This disclosure from Activision reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry. A report from Unity last year revealed that a significant number of game developers are already incorporating AI into their development processes in some capacity. Despite player concerns about quality and the potential displacement of human developers, industry giants like Microsoft have outlined plans to expand their use of AI in game development, suggesting that this technology is likely to become increasingly prevalent in the coming years.