The gaming world is buzzing, and not in a good way. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is under fire, and it's all about AI-generated art. The game's launch has been anything but smooth, with the co-op campaign facing immediate criticism. Now, the controversy has escalated, centered around accusations that the game is using AI-generated assets, specifically in its 'Calling Cards.' Players are up in arms, and some have even managed to get refunds. But what's really going on?
Images of these alleged AI-generated Calling Cards are circulating online, and the community's reaction has been swift and harsh. This forced Activision to issue an official statement, but not before some players successfully requested refunds.
This isn't the first time Activision has been linked to AI-generated content. Both Modern Warfare III and Black Ops 6 faced similar accusations. In those instances, the telltale signs were often the AI's inability to accurately depict human features, like hands with the correct number of fingers. However, the issues in Black Ops 7 appear to be even more blatant.
We're talking about art that, according to many players, resembles the 'AI slop' that has been flooding the internet, often mimicking styles like Studio Ghibli. But is this a fair assessment?
Black Ops 7's 'AI' Calling Cards Spark a Firestorm
The controversy revolves around the Calling Cards in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. These animated images are a minor part of the game, so, on the surface, using AI to create them might seem like a way to streamline production. But here's where it gets controversial... When you see the end results, the idea quickly falls apart.
The art in question is being widely criticized as 'AI slop,' a sentiment echoed by many players online. This has led to a wave of negative feedback. Adding insult to injury, some players were so unhappy that they demanded and received refunds on Steam. One player even claimed to have finished the entire co-op campaign before securing a refund, citing the use of 'AI-generated options that were not present in the marketing.'
All the negative attention seems to have pushed Activision to respond. The publisher released an official statement, which read, "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."
And this is the part most people miss... The statement was vague and did little to reassure the public. Black Ops 7 continues to face criticism online. Is the use of AI art in video games a step forward, or a sign of something else? What are your thoughts on this? Share your opinions in the comments below. Let's discuss!
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Aryan Singh
A passionate gaming enthusiast who has been writing online since 2021, Aryan covers single-player games, RPGs, and live-service titles such as Marvel Rivals and Call of Duty: Warzone. When he's not busy writing, you can find him playing Fallout: New Vegas.
