Activision has addressed a controversy that has rocked the gaming world. The company acknowledged using generative AI in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 for loading screens and calling cards. Steam’s new transparency policies revealed that Activision sold AI-generated cosmetic bundles without telling players. Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision in 2023 brought this issue into focus and led to almost 2,000 job cuts. This marked a clear move toward AI implementation. Players reacted strongly when they found strange flaws in the AI-generated content. A prime example was the infamous Zombie Santa character that appeared with six fingers instead of the normal five.
Activision Reveals AI Usage in Call of Duty Black Ops
Steam’s new AI disclosure policy has forced Activision to admit using generative AI in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. The company posted a simple statement on its Steam page that read, “Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in game assets”. Players had speculated about this for months with mounting evidence from the gaming community.
Players spotted clear signs of AI-generated content during the Season 1 Reloaded update. The ‘Necroclaus’ loading screen became the most obvious example. It showed a zombie Santa Claus with strange body features. Players quickly noticed the character’s hand had six fingers – a typical flaw that AI-generated images often show.
The gaming community dug deeper and found more suspicious elements throughout the game. A Zombies community event image displayed another odd hand – this one had six fingers and no visible thumb, suggesting seven digits in total. Players started to examine other game assets closely and found questionable elements in loading screens, calling cards, and promotional materials.
Valve’s January 2025 policy change required developers to disclose any “Pre-Generated” or “Live-Generated” AI content. This new rule aimed to stop “illegal or infringing content” from appearing on Steam. Activision’s disclosure came months after Black Ops 6’s original release, well after many players had spent considerable time and money on the game.
The news sparked serious concerns about transparency in game development. Activision stayed quiet despite growing criticism from players. AI usage went beyond just visual assets – the company had already partnered with Modulate for AI-powered chat moderation in both Black Ops 6 and Modern Warfare 3.
This situation brings up bigger questions about copyright protection. The United States Copyright Office’s January 2025 policy report states that AI-generated content cannot receive copyright protection, even when used to assist human creativity. Raw AI-generated imagery for loading screens and weapon stickers falls under this rule, though content modified by human creators might still qualify for protection.
Players Discover More Hidden AI Elements
Gaming detectives have found many cases of suspected AI-generated content in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Players later spotted strange patterns in holiday-themed loading screens, weapon decals, and player cards. These items came both as rewards and through paid bundles in the game store.
The “Hard Breakup” calling card stands out as a prime example. Players spent hours trying to unlock it, only to feel cheated. Reddit user Poodonkus voiced frustration after grinding for what turned out to be an AI-generated reward. They pointed out shapeless artifacts and neural network hallmarks in the image.
Social media posts from Infinity Ward and Treyarch showed signs of AI-generated elements. The issue spread to paid content, especially the Yokai’s Wrath bundle that cost 1,500 COD Points ($15.00). The store didn’t mention any AI usage in the bundle’s design when it launched.
Things got worse after news broke about changes at Activision. An anonymous artist revealed that the company let go of many 2D artists in early 2024. The remaining artists had to learn AI tools. Several voice actors from Black Ops 6’s Zombies mode quit because they felt the AI-related protections weren’t enough.
The United States Copyright Office released a policy report in January 2025 that made things even more complicated. The report says AI-generated content can’t get copyright protection, even when it helps human creativity. Activision could use AI to create rough designs for artists to modify, but pure AI-generated images for loading screens and weapon stickers might not qualify for protection.
Players have reacted badly to these changes. Most criticize what they see as a “lazy” use of AI in a big-budget AAA game. Some players see benefits in using AI for repetitive tasks like creating different versions of environmental assets. However, many worry about seeing AI-generated content in premium packages.
Gaming Industry Grapples with AI Revolution
The video game industry faces unprecedented challenges as AI transforms how games are made. Last year saw 10,500 industry professionals lose their jobs, and early 2024 brought another 11,000 layoffs. Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard resulted in 1,900 employees losing their jobs, most of them 2D artists.
A recent survey at the Game Developers Conference shows growing worry about AI’s effects. The study found that 52% of 3,000 developers said their companies now use AI to make games. Negative feelings about AI jumped from 18% to 30% compared to last year.
Artists have been hit hard by these changes. Some regions have seen illustrator jobs drop by 70%. Companies now choose AI-generated character art because it costs much less – ¥4,980 monthly compared to ¥100,000 for human-created illustrations.
Steam has adapted to these changes by creating new rules that make developers tell users about their AI use. Games must now clearly state when they use pre-made or real-time AI content and explain their safety measures against illegal content.
The EU’s AI Act, which starts in August 2024, brings new rules to the industry. This law bans manipulative AI techniques in games and demands transparency when games use emotion recognition systems and chatbots.
Workers are fighting back against these changes. The SAG-AFTRA strike brought attention to concerns about AI copying performers’ voices and looks without permission. Some developers see AI as a reason to unionize so they can have more say in how this technology is used.
The road ahead looks rough for the industry. Developers now work longer hours, with 13% putting in more than 51 hours weekly. Entry-level positions feel the squeeze as companies lean toward AI for simple development tasks. Yet early attempts to implement AI have hit snags, and some studios struggle to get consistent, quality results.
Conclusion
Activision recently admitted using AI in their games, which has changed how the gaming industry operates. Players found AI-generated content throughout Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, which led to debates about transparency and artistic integrity. Many developers had to reveal their AI usage because of Steam’s new policies, while gamers quickly spotted unusual elements like the six-fingered Zombie Santa.
The impact went far beyond Call of Duty. Game studios laid off many employees, and 2D artists took the biggest hit as development practices changed. The European Union and United States Copyright Office responded by creating guidelines for AI use. These new rules aim to protect content ownership and consumer rights.
This situation shows how hard it is to balance new technology with creative authenticity. Game companies now face tough choices about using AI, protecting workers, and keeping players’ trust. Steam took the first step by requiring transparency, but defining proper AI usage remains challenging.
The video game industry has entered a period of major change. Companies must solve problems with job security, creative control, and quality testing as they adapt to new technology. Their ability to balance innovation with human creativity will shape gaming’s future.
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