AI will always be a point of contention for fans, especially when it’s used for art in media like video games. This subject has become a hot topic, as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 supposedly used AI art for one of its cosmetics.
Wired reports that companies like Activision Blizzard are developing their AI system for art, with Call of Duty already using it. No example was written, but they did link to Modern Warfare 3’s Yokai’s Wrath bundle (via IGN), implying that AI was used for this.
Since the report only linked to the bundle, it’s unclear how much AI was used for this Call of Duty DLC pack. Unless the company says otherwise, it seems that the skin’s design and the bonus wallpaper were made with AI.
Despite the controversy that comes with AI, Activision Blizzard might not have a choice in that regard since Microsoft owns them. Microsoft has been pretty vocal about using AI, even making their own AI division, but they've always assured the public that this wouldn’t replace jobs. If this skin is anything to go by it seems that the company is starting to be comfortable with AI art.
At the time of writing, Activision Blizzard hasn’t responded to these accusations of AI, so Call of Duty fans will have to wait for official confirmation. However, the evidence is there and this publisher becoming comfortable with AI doesn’t bode well for artists aspiring to work for them.
It will be interesting to see if this reaction affects Black Ops 6 in any way, as fans are looking forward to the next installment in the franchise. Everything revealed for Black Ops 6 looks promising, with another short campaign that should make up for the rough single-player from Modern Warfare 3.
Fans can expect more Call of Duty news soon, especially with Black Ops 6 on the horizon. Curious players can just pick up Warzone on current-gen systems since it’s a free-to-play shooter.