Activision Reportedly Sold Call of Duty DLC Made In Part With AI

The use of AI in video game development has become a hot-button issue in recent months, especially at the very top of the industry. Now, a wide-ranging report claims that Call of Duty publisher Activision sold cosmetics that were partially made with AI.

The piece, which comes via Wired, describes a climate of fear and anxiety surrounding the use of AI in the gaming industry, especially for 2D artists. It opens with a quote from an alleged email from former Activision chief technology officer Michael Vance, stating that artificial intelligence was "top of mind" for the publisher, and that the systems "hold a ton of promise."

An internal memo cited later in the piece apparently approved the use of generative AI tools like GPT-3.5 to create concept art and marketing materials. A cosmetic created by AI was then reportedly released Modern Warfare 3 through the in-game store. The Wired report links to the Yokai's Wrath bundle, which includes a skin, loading screen, sticker, and more, though it's unclear exactly what was generated by AI.

Activision Reportedly Sold Call of Duty DLC Made In Part With AI

Activision Reportedly Sold Call of Duty DLC Made In Part With AI

Activision Reportedly Sold Call of Duty DLC Made In Part With AI

Activision Reportedly Sold Call of Duty DLC Made In Part With AI

Activision Reportedly Sold Call of Duty DLC Made In Part With AI