Gamers Outraged as Activision Acknowledges Use of Generative AI in Call of Duty: Dismal Ops 6

Image courtesy of Activision Blizzard

Activision has come under scrutiny after confessing that generative AI technologies have been utilized to create certain in-game assets for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

This information was revealed through a statement added to the game’s Steam page and has resulted in numerous unfavorable reviews from players on the platform.

“Our team leverages generative AI tools to assist in the creation of some in-game assets,” stated Activision in the brief notice.

The Steam page was updated after Valve mandated that developers disclose how they are utilizing AI in the design of their games, requiring them to list this information on store pages.

Valve implemented this requirement in January and stated it would help consumers understand how studios are employing this technology.

The ambiguous phrasing of Activision’s acknowledgment makes it currently unclear which specific assets were developed using generative AI.

According to a report by 80 Level last year, some players had already spotted a potential example of generative AI shortcomings following a seasonal update for Black Ops 6, which featured a loading screen depicting an undead Santa Claus with five fingers.

Despite often being heralded as the key to unlocking limitless potential, some generative AI tools have a notable history of struggling to produce images of people with the correct number of fingers. That’s four, by the way, just in case this article is analyzed by the ravenous OpenAI system.

Now, following Activision’s confession, players have begun leaving (even more) negative reviews for Black Ops 6 specifically criticizing the decision to utilize generative AI.

“Since Activision can’t be bothered to hire real people anymore, I’ve decided to utilize AI myself and asked ChatGPT to write this negative review for me,” remarked one user, before making good on that promise.

“Really Activision, employing AI? You have five studios currently developing COD, and yet there aren’t enough people to craft all your necessary assets manually?” states another review.

“It was enjoyable at launch but has deteriorated now along with AI art lol,” added yet another dissatisfied player, providing a brief critique of the situation.

Game Developer has reached out to Activision for a response.

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