Activision Confirms Generative AI Integration in Call of Duty: What It Means for Gamers

Activision has announced that some content in Call of Duty is made using generative AI.

According to a tweet from CharlieIntel, the Steam page for the game launcher, which includes Black Ops 6, Modern Warfare 3, and Warzone, contains a new note about AI usage.

The note states, “Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets.”

Fans are buzzing with theories about how AI has been incorporated. One player humorously pointed out, “We could tell lmao this loading screen had six fingers,” referencing the zombie artwork from last Christmas. Many had criticized that particular piece as “AI slop.”

Others have chimed in, calling it lazy or exclaiming in disbelief, “Really? No way?!”

Players have previously spotted oddities like a six-fingered hand holding Gobblegum. PC Gamer highlighted some 2D calling cards that seemed AI-generated.

Since January 2024, Valve has required developers to disclose AI usage on Steam. Players can also report instances of “illegal content.”

Interestingly, AI isn’t new to Activision. They already use it in their Ricochet anti-cheat system to spot cheaters through machine learning. However, using generative AI for game assets has grown as job losses impact the gaming industry, as reported by Wired in 2024.

Just last week, Microsoft introduced a new AI tool called Muse, aimed at helping with game ideas. However, it has faced some pushback.

AI is rapidly changing how video games are developed, influencing everything from NPC creation and scriptwriting to voice acting and artwork.