After numerous reports from players expressing concerns over AI-generated artwork in Call of Duty, Activision has officially revealed its use of generative AI tools for in-game asset development. This acknowledgment stems from a mandatory disclosure placed by Valve on the game’s Steam page, which states, “Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets.”

Some Call of Duty fans have long suspected that AI was behind the creation of cosmetic items in titles like Modern Warfare 3 and Black Ops 6. Previous reports highlighted questionable calling cards in the $15 “Yokai’s Wrath” bundle. Players also observed oddities in holiday-themed loading screens, such as a six-fingered zombie, and issues with other in-game elements.

Though Activision has yet to clarify whether this AI application extends to promotional materials or specific cosmetics, the public now finds it easier to believe that generative imagery may be influencing even paid content within the game. Reddit user Poodonkus shared his disappointment after grinding for what turned out to be an AI-generated calling card, stating, “I had heard of a cool pin-up style calling card for completing this challenge, but I wasn’t expecting to find out after trying to figure out what was supposed to be on her belt (surprise, just shapeless artifacts of a neural network image generator).”

As gamers continue to question the integrity of AI-generated assets, Activision’s transparency will be crucial moving forward.