A Reddit user articulated this sentiment, stating they deserve more than 'half-hearted soulless fake art' for their efforts.

One of the most criticized instances of AI use was a poorly designed holiday-themed loading screen featuring a zombie Santa with six fingers, which players deemed unacceptable.

The potential impact of AI usage on player perception and backlash remains uncertain as the gaming community continues to react to these developments.

Complicating matters further, a ruling from the U.S. Copyright Office states that AI-generated works lack copyright protection unless modified by a human, raising legal challenges for Activision.

Activision has confirmed the use of generative AI in developing in-game assets for the Call of Duty franchise, following player suspicions.

This announcement was made on February 25, 2025, on the Steam page for Black Ops 6, where the company acknowledged the role of AI tools in content creation.

Players expressed disappointment over receiving AI-generated rewards, such as calling cards, after completing challenging tasks, feeling that they deserved better.

While concerns about AI in game development persist, experts suggest that with proper regulation, it could foster innovation, emphasizing the need for accountability.

The context of this AI integration is troubling, especially considering over 2,500 job losses at Xbox in 2024, making the use of AI seem tone-deaf amid industry layoffs.

Critics argue that charging premium prices for games while cutting jobs and relying on AI raises serious ethical questions about corporate practices in the gaming industry.

The gaming community has consistently expressed a desire for high-quality, inspired artwork in AAA titles, rejecting the idea of settling for subpar content.

Activision's commitment to AI tools is likely influenced by its connection with Microsoft, which has heavily invested in AI technology.