Activision Confirms AI Use in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Amidst Art Style Concerns
Players have raised concerns about the visual quality of in-game Calling Cards in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, with some alleging the art resembles images generated by AI. Activision has now confirmed the game’s growth team utilized ”generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets.”
The revelation comes as the latest installment in the long-running call of Duty franchise launched on Xbox Game Pass following a recent price increase for the subscription service. While Activision maintains AI was used as one of several “digital tools” to support development and create ”the best gaming experiences possible,” the use of AI-generated art-or art edited from AI sources-coudl represent a cost-saving measure.The game is also drawing criticism for its always-online campaign mode, which prevents players from pausing even when playing with AI bots.
Activision disclosed the use of generative AI on the Black Ops 7 Steam page.In a statement to Kotaku, the company did not deny the possibility that the art style concerns stem from AI-generated assets, stating that AI was among the tools used “to empower and support our teams.”
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is the first game in the franchise to be available on Xbox Game Pass at its new, higher price point. The game’s campaign requires a constant internet connection and does not allow players to pause, even when playing solo with AI-controlled teammates.
