Summary
Activisionhas been forced to break its silence and admit to using generative AI to develop someCall of Dutyassets. The company had ignored allegations since they first gained traction during theModern Warfare 3era. However, a specific policy change from Steam leftActivisionwith no choice but to reveal the truth.
Players have long accusedCoDof using AI, pointing to numerous suspicious in-game assets like skins, camos, and calling cards that looked oddly unnatural. One of the most controversial discoveries was the zombie Santa Claus loading screen art, which depicted a character with six fingers. However, that was just one high-profile case; fans had been sharing many other bizarre in-game artworks long before that.
Activision’s admission of using generative AI comes via a brief disclaimer onCall of Duty: Black Ops 6’s Steam page, stating, “Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets.” While the statement may seem harmless, it has sparked a backlash from the community, as the vague wording suggestsCall of Dutymight be selling AI-generated cosmetics—something most fans have no interest in paying for. Notably,Modern Warfare 3’s Steam page hasn’t been updated with the new disclaimer, suggesting that it may not have used AI-generated art despite ongoing speculations.
Steam Has Seemingly Pushed Activision to Expose Its AI Secrets
In January 2025, Steam announced a new approach to games using AI-generated content, requiring developers to disclose AI usage in their game descriptions. Now, months later, this policy appears to have forced Activision to confirm the long-standing allegations. While this may be a step in the right direction, most players find it inadequate. Activision can still legally use generative AI to create in-game items and sell them to players. Moreover, the lack of transparency regardingTreyarch’s use of AI inCall of Duty’s arthas left some gamers concerned about the future of the game’s cosmetics.
It’s worth noting that gamers aren’t entirely opposed to AI in game development. Arecent YouGov survey, for example, found that 62% of British gamers believe AI could enhance NPC interactions in future games. Another example of its positive reception isCall of Duty’s use of AI to identify cheaters, which has received support from the community. However, what players take issue with is the “lazy” implementation of AI. They don’t want to see sloppy, unnatural, or uninspired art and cosmetics, especially in high-earning AAA games where budget constraints aren’t an excuse.
