Activision Allegedly Sells AI-Generated Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Cosmetic

Activision reportedly sold an AI-generated cosmetic for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in late 2023. According to a Wired report, the cosmetic was part of the Yokai’s Wrath bundle, which did not disclose its AI origins. This bundle cost 1,500 COD Points, equivalent to about $15.

Wired did not specify which part of the bundle was AI-generated. The bundle included an Operator skin, a weapon blueprint, a calling card, a weapon sticker, and a loading screen. Activision did not reveal if other cosmetics used AI art either.

The report highlighted significant layoffs within Activision Blizzard and Microsoft. In early 2023, Activision started using generative AI for concept art and marketing materials. By July, they had integrated tools like GPT-3.5. However, by the end of the year, Microsoft had laid off 1,900 employees from its gaming divisions.

An Activision artist shared that many 2D artists were laid off. Remaining concept artists had to use AI to aid their work. Employees were also required to undergo AI training. This change sparked concern over job security and the quality of AI-generated content.

Generative AI has stirred debate in the gaming industry. Critics argue it raises ethical and rights issues. For instance, EA’s CEO said AI can make game development more efficient, but The Witcher voice actor Doug Cockle expressed concern over AI’s growing role in the industry.