Activision's Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has drawn criticism over its apparent use of AI-generated art assets. The game features over 680 collectible backgrounds known as Calling Cards, which have been likened to knockoff animation styles reminiscent of ChatGPT.
While Activision hasn't outright denied the use of generative AI tools in creating these art assets, its development team has confirmed that such tools were used to develop certain in-game assets. This admission, while unsurprising given the growing prevalence of AI in game development, only adds fuel to speculation about the extent of AI's involvement.
Several players have taken to social media to express their disappointment at the lower quality of these Calling Cards, with some describing them as lacking polish. The use of AI-generated art on a splashy $70 title is sure to raise eyebrows, and Activision may be seen as having sacrificed quality for expediency.
One possible explanation for this decision could be the attempt by Microsoft to justify its recent price hike for Xbox Game Pass. By offering Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 on the subscription service, Activision hopes to entice more users without having to charge full price for the game upfront.
However, concerns about AI-generated art in the game's campaign are still valid, particularly given the title's requirement of a stable internet connection due to its multiplayer mode. Even playing with in-game bots, players cannot pause the game during an online match, which could be frustrating for those who want more control over their experience.
While Activision hasn't outright denied the use of generative AI tools in creating these art assets, its development team has confirmed that such tools were used to develop certain in-game assets. This admission, while unsurprising given the growing prevalence of AI in game development, only adds fuel to speculation about the extent of AI's involvement.
Several players have taken to social media to express their disappointment at the lower quality of these Calling Cards, with some describing them as lacking polish. The use of AI-generated art on a splashy $70 title is sure to raise eyebrows, and Activision may be seen as having sacrificed quality for expediency.
One possible explanation for this decision could be the attempt by Microsoft to justify its recent price hike for Xbox Game Pass. By offering Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 on the subscription service, Activision hopes to entice more users without having to charge full price for the game upfront.
However, concerns about AI-generated art in the game's campaign are still valid, particularly given the title's requirement of a stable internet connection due to its multiplayer mode. Even playing with in-game bots, players cannot pause the game during an online match, which could be frustrating for those who want more control over their experience.
. I mean, Call of Duty is all about delivering an immersive gaming experience, and using AI-generated art just doesn't quite cut it. It's like they're phoning it in instead of putting some real effort into the design.
. I get that Microsoft wants to make money by offering Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 on Xbox Game Pass, but they need to think about the players' experience too.
. So, I'm not sure how surprising it is that AI was used to create them.
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. I'm not really sure what to make of it, though - on one hand, it's cool that they're experimenting with new tech, but on the other hand, if it affects the game's quality, then maybe it wasn't worth it 
. And another thing, $70 for a game that uses AI-generated art? That's just extra 
... I mean, I get it, AI can save time and all that jazz, but when it comes to art assets in a game, you gotta have some level of human touch, right? It's like, I get that the devs wanted to be efficient, but 680 backgrounds that look kinda meh just isn't worth it to me 
. And yeah, if Microsoft is trying to boost Xbox Game Pass sales by making Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 cheaper, that's just gonna rub people the wrong way... they're already stressed enough playing games online with bots and no pause button 
. What's next? AI-generated in-game characters that are just...off? 
. I mean, we've been warned about the potential risks and benefits of relying on generative AI tools in creative industries for years now.
I mean, come on, if they're gonna charge us $70 for this game, shouldn't it at least look DECENT?! The Calling Cards in Black Ops 7 are like something a 12-year-old with a can of spray paint would create, not some polished art that's supposed to be part of the game. And don't even get me started on the campaign mode, requiring an internet connection just so we can play with bots? That's just LAZY DEVELOPMENT if you ask me! 
. I mean, come on Activision, if you're gonna use AI-generated art assets, at least have the decency to put some effort into polishing them up a bit 
. 680 collectible backgrounds that look like knockoff animation styles? That's just lazy, dude 
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No pause button? That's just cruel. I mean, what's the point of even having multiplayer if I'm stuck playing with bots all day? 
. Sorry, Activision, but this one's a hard pass for me 
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But at the same time, I can understand why some players are disappointed with the quality. I've played the game myself and while the graphics aren't terrible, they're not exactly mind-blowing either.
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. and now they're trying to spin it as some sort of marketing ploy for xbox game pass? come on, activision, you can do better than that 
. The real concern is that its gonna affect the campaign cuz of the internet reqs, idk how thats supposed to be fun w/ bots and no pause option 
. don't get me wrong, i love the idea of generative ai in game dev as much as the next guy, but not when it compromises on quality, you know? 
think they were trying to save some bucks or something