Activision Confirms AI Use in Call of Duty Development

LOS ANGELES, CA — Activision has officially confirmed the use of generative artificial intelligence in the development of certain in-game assets for its popular titles, including Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone. The announcement, made on the games’ Steam pages, aligns with a policy introduced by Steam in January 2024 requiring developers to disclose AI usage.

The AI disclosure appeared on the Call of Duty Steam page in late January but went largely unnoticed until recent player scrutiny reignited discussions about the company’s development practices. The statement reads, “Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets,” providing insight into how AI influences the creative process.

Players and industry professionals alike have expressed mixed reactions to the news. Many had long suspected AI integration in the franchise, particularly after instances of questionable graphics emerged, such as a zombified Santa with six fingers on one hand. The unusual design sparked concerns about quality oversight in games utilizing AI-generated content.

Activision’s disclosure follows a growing trend among major game developers exploring AI applications to streamline production and enhance efficiency. In December 2024, for instance, The Indie Stone faced backlash when players discovered AI-generated art in its game, Project Zomboid, leading to its retraction.

Critics of AI in gaming worry that reliance on computer-generated assets undermines artistic integrity and creativity. Some players believe that human artistry should remain central to game development and that AI-generated content, often criticized as “lazy” or “soulless,” could adversely affect the overall gaming experience.

However, others argue that generative AI can be valuable for automating repetitive tasks, freeing human artists to focus on more critical design elements. One player noted, “If it’s used for mundane busy work, that’s fine as long as it doesn’t take away jobs from real artists.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern in the industry, as AI’s rise has coincided with layoffs in creative positions.

The introduction of comprehensive AI disclosure rules by Valve, the parent company of Steam, seeks to foster transparency and accountability in game production. Under the new policy, developers must openly communicate any use of AI in asset creation, gameplay mechanics, or narrative elements. Activision’s compliance represents a significant step in addressing community demands for clarity regarding AI’s impact on game development.

While Activision has yet to specify which in-game assets are AI-generated, there is indication that AI tools may assist in environmental design and background props, which could help expedite development timelines for a franchise notorious for its annual releases. This strategic use of generative AI could allow Activision’s design teams to allocate more time to gameplay refinement, balancing the need for efficiency with the pursuit of quality.

As the gaming landscape evolves, Activision’s foray into AI usage will be closely scrutinized by players and industry stakeholders. The embrace of AI technology in game development is poised to spark an ongoing dialogue about the future of creativity in gaming, balancing technological advancements with the artistic vision that defines the medium.