Call of Duty players have accused Activision’s studios of using generative AI to produce in-game assets, namely calling cards, stickers, and some skins for at least a few months. For instance, a festive-themed calling card showing a ‘zombified’ Santa Claus bore clear traces of gen-AI usage – the character in question had too many fingers.
Now, the proof is in the open, and it’s all thanks to a recent Steam policy update that requires developers to clarify when generative AI has been used in the production of any game on the storefront.
In a recent update to Steam’s policies, developers must disclose the use of any generative AI in a sub-section listed under any game’s core description. This comes as a result of new rules published by the United States Copyright Office, which has decreed that any AI-gen content cannot be classified under copyright laws.
On the Steam page for Black Ops 6, it’s written:
Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets.
Call of Duty is one of the most ambitious development efforts in modern gaming, with Activision’s studios boasting thousands of developers working concurrently across multiple projects. It rankled with many fans that these teams would need to ‘resort to’ using generative AI to produce in-game assets.
In most cases, the content produced has been branded ‘AI slop’ by followers of the legendary FPS franchise.
This isn’t the first time Activision has leaned on AI to support the Call of Duty series, though. In 2023, it was revealed that AI and ML-based tools would be used to moderate in-game voice and text chat. This news wasn’t taken as harshly as the revelation that the team is using gen-AI to supplement the work of artists, though.
What’s the worst gen-AI asset you’ve seen created in Call of Duty? Let us know in the comments or on the GPlayr forum.
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