Home News Activision Finally Admits It Uses Generative AI for Some Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Assets After Backlash Following 'AI Slop' Zombie Santa Loading Screen

Activision Finally Admits It Uses Generative AI for Some Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Assets After Backlash Following 'AI Slop' Zombie Santa Loading Screen

Mar 16,2025 Author: Patrick

Activision has finally acknowledged using generative AI in the development of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, nearly three months after fans raised concerns about AI-generated assets. The controversy began in December with the Season 1 Reloaded update, where players noticed anomalies in loading screens, calling cards, and in-game art related to the Zombies mode.

The most prominent example was the "Necroclaus" loading screen, depicting Zombie Santa with what appeared to be six fingers—a common issue with generative AI's struggles to accurately render hands. A similar issue was found in an image showcasing a new Zombies community event, showing a gloved hand with an unusual number of digits.

Black Ops 6's 'Necroclaus' loading screen. Image credit: Activision Publishing.
Black Ops 6's 'Necroclaus' loading screen. Image credit: Activision Publishing.
The central image includes a gloved hand with some odd things going on. Image credit: Activision Publishing.
The central image includes a gloved hand with some odd things going on. Image credit: Activision Publishing.

Further scrutiny revealed irregularities in other images included in paid bundles, fueling the debate. Following the outcry and new AI disclosure rules on Steam, Activision added a vague statement to Black Ops 6's Steam page: “Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets.”

This admission follows a Wired report from July, revealing that Activision sold an unnamed AI-generated cosmetic in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 last year, part of the Yokai’s Wrath bundle (December 2023). This bundle, costing 1,500 COD Points (approximately $15), generated revenue for Activision. Wired also linked this to the layoff of 1,900 gaming staff at Microsoft (Activision Blizzard's parent company) and alleged that 2D artists' jobs were replaced by AI.

The use of generative AI in gaming remains a controversial topic, raising ethical and rights concerns, and questions about its ability to consistently produce high-quality content. Keywords Studios' failed experiment in creating an entirely AI-generated game highlights the limitations of current AI technology in replacing human talent.

LATEST ARTICLES

17

2025-03

Good coffee, Great Coffee provides the ideal follow up to some Great Pizza, Good Pizza, out now

https://images.97xz.com/uploads/29/174069002767c0d26be48fb.jpg

Good Coffee, Great Pizza is now brewing on iOS and Android! Following the success of its predecessor, Good Pizza, Great Pizza, this new hospitality sim invites you to a world of caffeinated charm.Meet over 200 unique characters, craft a diverse menu of drinks, and uncover their captivating stories.

Author: PatrickReading:0

17

2025-03

It’s a Small RomanTick World Celebrates Its 1st Anniversary with New Chapter Ayutthaya Dynasty

https://images.97xz.com/uploads/02/174198616367d49973e7d8f.jpg

It's a Small RomanTick World is celebrating its first anniversary with a brand-new chapter: Ayutthaya Dynasty! This exciting update also includes new episodes for the Sweet Collection, transporting players to 15th-century Southeast Asia.What's New in the Ayutthaya Dynasty Chapter?The Ayutthaya Dyna

Author: PatrickReading:0

17

2025-03

Final Fantasy 14 Is Making A Change To Chaotic Raid Rewards

https://images.97xz.com/uploads/91/17368887106786d186ef21e.jpg

SummaryResponding to player feedback, Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.16 will introduce a Clouddark Demimateria exchange system.Players can trade Clouddark Demimateria I for Clouddark Demimateria II, facilitating acquisition of high-demand items like a mount and hairstyle.Further adjustments based on play

Author: PatrickReading:0

17

2025-03

Annapurna's Entire Game Division Quits, Leaving Future Uncertain

https://images.97xz.com/uploads/32/172622283866e411f60f7a9.png

The entire video game division of Annapurna Pictures, Annapurna Interactive, has resigned following a disagreement with Megan Ellison.Annapurna Interactive Staff Resign After Failed NegotiationsFallout at Annapurna InteractiveAnnapurna Interactive, publisher of acclaimed games like Stray and What Re

Author: PatrickReading:0