Activision has finally acknowledged the use of generative AI in the development of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, nearly three months after player concerns arose over seemingly AI-generated assets. The controversy ignited in December following the Season 1 Reloaded update, with fans pointing to irregularities in loading screens, calling cards, and in-game art related to Zombies community events.

A key example was the "Necroclaus" loading screen featuring Zombie Santa, which appeared to depict the character with six fingers—a common flaw in AI-generated imagery. A similar issue was noted in an image showcasing a new Zombies community event, where a gloved hand seemed to have six fingers and no thumb.

Further scrutiny revealed potential AI-generated anomalies in additional images included in paid bundles, prompting calls for transparency from Activision. In response, and following new AI disclosure rules on Steam, Activision added a general disclosure to Black Ops 6's Steam page stating, "Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets."

This admission follows a Wired report from July detailing Activision's sale of an unnamed AI-generated cosmetic in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s Yokai’s Wrath bundle (December 2023), a sale that did not initially disclose the use of AI. This bundle cost 1,500 COD Points (approximately $15 USD). The report also alleged that the use of AI coincided with layoffs of 2D artists at Activision, with remaining artists reportedly pressured to utilize AI tools.

The use of generative AI in game development remains a contentious topic, raising ethical concerns and questions about the impact on artists. Keywords Studios' failed experiment in creating an entirely AI-generated game further highlights the limitations of current AI technology and its inability to fully replace human talent.