Activision Faces Backlash for AI-Generated Guitar Hero Mobile Ad

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Activision has sparked controversy after an advertisement for its upcoming game, Guitar Hero Mobile, surfaced on Instagram featuring an image generated by artificial intelligence (AI). The ad, which claims the game will launch in 2025, drew immediate criticism for its poor quality and lack of artistic integrity.

The ad boasted the tagline, “Play your way — Guitar Hero goes mobile.” However, fans quickly pointed out glaring flaws in the image, including a bizarre lineup of four guitarists without a drummer or vocalist. This overt reliance on AI-generated art has angered long-time fans, who feel the essence of the celebrated franchise has been lost.

Recent weeks have seen Activision under scrutiny for similar practices. Activision’s previous use of generative AI in marketing has faced backlash, and Guitar Hero Mobile has become an example of the mounting frustrations among gamers. One commenter encapsulated the disappointment by saying, “Please don’t abuse A.I. art; there are people passionate about Guitar Hero, and we want good art.” Another fan called the ad “shameless and disgusting,” highlighting the disconnect between the gaming community and a major corporation.

In a twist, it appears that the Guitar Hero Mobile ad is part of a broader attempt by Activision to gauge interest in various franchises. The ad links to a survey page asking for fan feedback on these upcoming titles. Yet, many users found the approach disingenuous and noted that the games themselves appear non-existent at this time.

The situation points to a significant dilemma within the gaming industry: as companies turn increasingly to AI for efficiency, the human touch that resonates with fans risks being lost. Activision’s latest advertisements follow a consistent pattern wherein fan favorites, like Guitar Hero, are reduced to mere AI constructs devoid of soul.

While the company remains silent on the outcry, criticism continues to grow. Game developers and digital artists argue that using AI-generated art severely undercuts the creative efforts of those passionate about gaming.

Jack, a Manchester-based writer with a focus on gaming, noted, “It’s even worse when multi-billion-dollar companies like Activision resort to using AI. If someone could afford a real artist, it should be them.” As fan discontent brews, the implications of these tactics will likely linger in the perception of new titles from the company.

Despite the negative feedback regarding Guitar Hero Mobile, Activision seems to be intent on proceeding with similar marketing strategies. In addition to the Guitar Hero ad, other AI-generated promotions for games like Crash Bandicoot: Brawl and Call of Duty: Zombie Defender were also noted, though they too have faced criticism.

As the gaming industry evolves, Activision finds itself at a critical crossroads. The backlash over its advertising choices could influence not only their upcoming releases but also how companies navigate the intersection of technology and artistry moving forward.