Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has officially launched on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. For those who pre-loaded, the game is now available, inviting players to embark on the latest adventure of this iconic shooter series. However, players have quickly noted that this year’s installment includes a significant amount of AI-generated content used for in-game rewards.
AI-Generated Content Sparks Debate
This isn’t the first time Activision has integrated AI-generated assets into Call of Duty titles. Previously, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in 2023 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 in 2024 faced backlash for similar practices. Now, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 continues this trend, but the extent of AI content present has surprised many. User Kumesicles shared images of in-game calling card rewards featuring AI-generated assets, bringing widespread attention to the issue. These AI assets are not limited to cosmetic rewards; they also appear in the campaign and prestige icons, with more likely to be discovered as players delve deeper into the game.
Community Reactions and Criticism
The community’s reaction, as seen in responses to Kumesicles’ post and player reviews on the game’s Steam page, reflects dissatisfaction with the prevalence of AI-generated content. Complaints extend beyond visuals, touching on gameplay mechanics such as the inability to pause the campaign, its always-online requirement, and issues with being kicked from a level for inactivity.
The Bigger Picture in Game Design
Players often seek cosmetic items as rewards, appreciating the time and artistry involved in crafting these elements. These customizations have historically provided personal achievements and status symbols within the gaming community. The current use of AI raises questions about value and quality. Despite the minor role of these elements, they highlight a broader trend of diminishing attention to detail as long as the franchise remains profitable for Activision. Even if future updates replace AI assets with human-created art, expectations remain low for subsequent games, potentially continuing this controversial trend.