Buckle up, Call of Duty fans! Activision is lighting up social media with controversy once again! The gaming mammoth has been thrust into the spotlight after players began spotting what looks like AI-generated art assets in the smoking-hot Call of Duty: Black Ops 7! And trust us, the fanbase is not happy!
Gamers are leaping onto platforms at warp speed, raising eyebrows and questioning whether some art, including those uber-cool calling card images, have a suspicious AI twist. The buzz centers around stunning visuals reportedly mimicking Studio Ghibli's unique style, a flavor trend that took off at the speed of light earlier this year.
One of the epicenter tweets buzzing on social media comes from @Kumesicles, who slyly argues, "I'm willing to bet they're using AI..." – the stakes couldn’t be higher in this explosive debate!
Activision couldn't ignore the uproar. They’ve blasted responses across various channels, including PC Gamer, trying to cool the flames with a statement: "Like so many around the world, we use a variety of digital tools, including AI, to empower and support our teams...". But has this official nod satisfied the community? Not exactly!
The murmurings of AI didn't start here. Back in February, Activision had its hand caught in the cookie jar for Black Ops 6. Who could forget that...ahem... infamous zombie Santa debacle, with fans dubbing it "AI slop"?
Fast forward to August, and Black Ops 7’s Mojo Master, associate creative director Miles Leslie, had another go at explaining: "We have generative AI tools to help us, but none of that goes in-game. If it has, it’s purely accidental...". He insists the result is still one of craftsmanship forged by the brilliant folks behind the scenes.
But why are the AI images still roaming free in the game like a lost sheep? When asked, Leslie bounced, "That’s not my department...". So we're left wondering – is this the start of a new era or merely a glitch in the Matrix?
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is already out, and despite the storm, it's one wild ride packed with ambition like never before. Our review said it best: "It's a wild one thanks to the scope of its ambition..." – a rollercoaster of ups and downs, ready to keep you on the edge.
What’s your take on the AI-tangled drama? Dive into the conversation and tell us where you stand in this digital age evolution!
For more awesome gaming scoops, keep your eyes peeled with Rebekah Valentine tearing it up at IGN. Reach her at rvalentine@ign.com or find her tweeting the goods at @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Stay Game-tastic!