Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 faces backlash over AI-generated calling card artwork

Activision has come under fire from players for its apparent use of AI-generated artwork in several Studio Ghibli-style calling cards earned through the Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 co-op campaign.

The details:

• Following the game's launch earlier this week, players have been highlighting calling cards across social media and Reddit that they believe feature AI-generated artwork, particularly those replicating the distinctive style of Studio Ghibli films. The images resemble those created using generative AI tech that became popular on social media earlier this year, and given Activision's history of using the controversial technology last year in the creation of calling cards, it was an unwelcome but unsurprising discovery.
• Black Ops 7's Steam page includes a warning stating "Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in game assets," messages that were also previously added to Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty Warzone's respective pages. However, the publisher is not forced to say exactly where AI has been used in any detail.
• In response to fans, Activision provided a statement saying "Like so many around the world, we use a variety of digital tools, including AI tools, to empower and support our teams to create the best gaming experiences possible for our players. Our creative process continues to be led by the talented individuals in our studios". Despite this, the company still declined to confirm whether the specific calling card images in question were AI-generated.