Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has launched to strong player interest—but also to a wave of accusations claiming that several in-game icons, including Calling Cards and Prestige icons, may have been created using generative AI. Following the rising discussion on social media, Activision has issued a formal response.
Growing Concerns Over AI-Generated Assets
The criticism emerged after players circulated side-by-side comparisons of certain Black Ops 7 artwork that appeared consistent with AI-generated design patterns. While none of the allegations have been definitively confirmed, the volume of posts prompted direct questions to the publisher.
The debate comes at a time when generative AI is reshaping the development landscape. According to a Google Cloud survey conducted earlier this year, 87% of game studios use AI in some capacity. These uses often include concept art, coding support, mock-ups, and iteration tools that never directly appear in the final game. Despite this growing reliance, major studios have largely avoided openly integrating generative AI into player-facing content due to its controversial nature.
Steam has already implemented mandatory AI-use disclosures, and Black Ops 7’s store page includes one such note: “Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in game assets.”
Activision’s Official Statement
XboxEra reached out to Activision for clarification following the mounting claims. In response, the publisher stated:
“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.”
This confirms that generative AI does play a role in Black Ops 7’s development pipeline, though Activision emphasizes that human artists remain central to the process.
A History of AI Use in Call of Duty
This isn’t the first time AI use has been associated with Call of Duty. Activision has previously acknowledged using generative AI in past entries to support asset creation. While the publisher maintains that these tools are supplemental rather than replacements, players have remained sensitive to its presence, particularly when it appears in visible elements such as icons and cosmetics.
What This Means for Players Going Forward
With development budgets increasing and production timelines tightening, AI tools offer a cost-saving advantage that large studios are unlikely to ignore. As a result, accusations of AI-generated art are likely to become more common—especially in high-budget games where thousands of visual assets must be produced quickly.
For better or worse, Black Ops 7 is shaping up to be another example of how the gaming industry is transitioning into an era where AI and traditional artistry coexist, sometimes uneasily, within major releases.
