Game Maker Activision Blizzard confirmed that some of its most popular titles are generated by AI. The disclosure is listed on the Black Ops 6 game page of Call of Duty: Steam, following the recent introduction of new AI transparency strategies for online gaming platforms.
This is a time as game developers and publishers continue to determine the role of AI in design and innovation while struggling to worry about transparency, quality and work displacement. “Our team uses generated AI tools to help develop some of the assets in the game,” Activision said in the disclosure section of the game page.
Zombie Santa’s terrible AI hand
After fans noticed irregular summons, it would take months to confirm that it would take to guess, including one finger with an extra zombie Santa and other twisted elements that seem to have disappeared. (As we all know, AI-generated images struggle to generate appendages).
Fans criticized the discovery and urged the company to be more transparent about the use of AI. In the past, Activision faced a rebound in opposition, as AI-generated cosmetic bundles are sold for virtual currencies (buyed for real money) without revealing how AI is being used.
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In January 2025, Steam’s parent company Valve introduced the AI disclosure policy, asking developers to clarify how AI contributes to game development and execution. “We took some time to figure this out, and we’re sorry, it made it even harder for some developers to make decisions in their games,” Valve said on its website.
“However, we won’t feel like we are serving our players or developer partners by rushing to make such complex decisions. We will continue to learn from the games submitted to Steam and the legal advances surrounding AI, and will Re-examine this when necessary, decide,” it added.
In 2023, Microsoft acquired Activision for $69 billion. A year later, Microsoft ruled nearly 2,000 jobs in its gaming division, part of the report’s report’s efforts to make more people AI.
Pros and cons of AI in the game
Despite concerns, some experts believe that the use of AI in game development may lead to more innovation if appropriate regulation of AI in game development.
“While I understand some of the concerns about AI model training – we can and should do better in their development – one thing I maintain is that AI is a new tool that can help simplify aspects of game development.” George ·James Casey, associate professor of computer game design programs at Mason University. “But, like other tools adopted over time, we need to monitor and manage their usage.”
Casey cited the rise of game engines like Unity and Unity, which simplified the game creation process and changed the type of work required to develop modern games. “Techniques like AI will do it, too,” he said.
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“The use of AI is obvious in terms of activation content, which indicates a lack of creative oversight. No matter where or how art is produced, whether it is an in-house artist, outsourcing or bio-AI, there is still a need for accountability for results. .” he added.
Forrester analyst Will McKeon-White told CNET that the driving force behind Valve’s AI transparency could set a broader precedent, which could be by shaping industry standards and affecting consumer expectations.
“Certain markets, like Steam/Valve, take a firm stand and if you use AI you need to tag it, but if others don’t follow suit, it will be complicated.”
