Activision, the powerhouse behind Call of Duty, has officially acknowledged the use of generative AI in the development of Black Ops 6. This admission comes nearly three months after fans accused the company of using AI to create what they termed "AI slop," particularly focusing on a Zombie Santa loading screen in the game.

The controversy erupted in December following the Season 1 Reloaded update, when keen-eyed fans spotted several anomalies in Black Ops 6's loading screens, calling cards, and art used to explain Zombies community events. The focal point of the backlash was the 'Necroclaus' loading screen, featuring a Zombie Santa that appeared to have six fingers—a common mistake in AI-generated images, which often struggle with rendering hands correctly.

Black Ops 6's 'Necroclaus' loading screen. Image credit: Activision Publishing.

Another image that raised eyebrows was a gloved hand used to illustrate a new Zombies community event. This image appeared to show six fingers without a thumb, suggesting up to seven digits on the hand, further fueling suspicions of AI use.

The central image includes a gloved hand with some odd things going on. Image credit: Activision Publishing.

The Zombie Santa image led to a broader examination of other images within Black Ops 6. Redditor Shaun_LaDee pointed out three images from paid bundles that displayed irregularities suggestive of AI involvement.

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

In response to fan outcry and new AI disclosure rules on Steam, Activision has updated Black Ops 6’s Steam page with a vague statement: “Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets.”

This disclosure follows a report by Wired in July, which revealed that Activision sold an “AI-generated cosmetic” for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 last year. This cosmetic was part of the Yokai’s Wrath bundle, released in December 2023, and sold for 1,500 COD Points, equivalent to about $15. The store did not disclose the use of AI at the time of sale.

The use of AI-generated content comes at a time when Microsoft, which acquired Activision Blizzard for $69 billion last year, cut 1,900 staff from its gaming business. According to Wired, these layoffs included many 2D artists, with remaining concept artists reportedly forced to incorporate AI into their work. An anonymous Activision artist told the site, “A lot of 2D artists were laid off. Remaining concept artists were then forced to use AI to aid in their work.” Additionally, employees were allegedly required to undergo AI training, with its use being promoted throughout the company.

Generative AI remains a hotly debated topic in the video game and entertainment industries, both of which have experienced significant layoffs. Critics argue that AI's use raises ethical and rights issues, and often fails to produce content that audiences enjoy. An example is Keywords Studios' attempt to create an experimental game using AI, which failed as the company reported to investors that AI was "unable to replace talent."