In the wake of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7‘s launch, Activision has issued a statement about its alleged use of AI-generated images. The quote was prompted by accusations about Black Ops 7‘s many icons potentially being AI-generated with Calling Cards and Prestige icons being especially targeted.
For better or worse, generative AI is playing an increasingly major role in the games industry. A particularly illuminating Google Cloud survey from earlier this year revealed that 87% of game-makers use artificial intelligence to some extent during development, whether it’s to streamline creative tasks, optimize code, or generate mock-ups and concept art. Of course, many of these uses are limited to behind-the-scenes elements, which is why that 87% figure might seem a bit high; most major developers and publishers have shied away from explicit or player-facing use of generative AI, likely motivated by the technology’s controversial nature. Digital storefronts like Steam have even started requiring that publishers disclose the use of generative AI on their games’ store pages—a disclaimer that is currently present on the Black Ops 7 Steam page.
The Black Ops 7 AI disclaimer on Steam states “our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in game assets.”
Activision Response to Black Ops 7 AI-Generated Art
Following a number of social media posts identifying perceived AI-generated art in Black Ops 7, XboxEra contacted Activision for comment. The Call of Duty publisher responded with the following: “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 isn’t the first time that Activision has been suspected of using AI art. In fact, the publisher has admitted to using “generative AI tools to help develop some in game assets” in previous Call of Duty titles.
Activision’s potential use of generative AI in Black Ops isn’t especially surprising. AI-generated assets, from art to music, promise to dramatically reduce development costs, which is appealing when it comes to games with massive budgets like Black Ops 7. It probably won’t be popular, but gaming audiences should brace for more AI art accusations in the future, especially in expensive games from big companies.
- Released
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November 14, 2025
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs
