According to engadget, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 appears to feature a significant amount of AI-generated art assets, particularly in its collection of over 680 calling cards. These collectible backgrounds, which players earn through achievements or purchases, show signs of AI generation with their ChatGPT-style knockoff animation appearance. Activision confirmed on the Black Ops 7 Steam page that the development team used “generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets” and didn’t deny the possibility when questioned by Kotaku. The game also marks the franchise’s first day-one launch on Xbox Game Pass, which Microsoft hopes will justify the subscription’s recent price increase. Meanwhile, Black Ops 7’s campaign requires an internet connection even for solo play because it was designed for four-player squads, and players can’t pause the game even when using bots.
The AI art quality question
Here’s the thing about using AI-generated assets in a premium $70 game – it creates immediate quality perception issues. The calling cards players are spotting have that distinctive “AI art” look that’s become increasingly recognizable. We’re talking about slightly off proportions, weird texture patterns, and that generic “Studio Ghibli-inspired but not quite” aesthetic that ChatGPT and similar tools often produce.
Now, Activision’s statement about using “digital tools” to support their teams is technically accurate, but it’s also corporate-speak for “we might be cutting corners.” The real question is whether players will accept AI-generated content in a franchise that’s historically been about polish and production values. When you’re paying top dollar for a game, you expect human-crafted artistry, not algorithmically generated filler content.
Why this actually matters
Look, I get it – calling cards might seem like a minor feature. But they’re part of the progression system that keeps players engaged. When those rewards feel cheap or generic, it undermines the entire reward loop. And let’s be honest – if Activision is using AI for calling cards, where else might it be showing up?
The campaign’s always-online requirement is arguably a bigger issue for most players. Needing an internet connection to play solo? No pausing even with bots? That’s a fundamental design choice that prioritizes multiplayer integration over player convenience. Basically, they’ve built the campaign around the assumption you’ll always be playing with others, which feels out of touch with how many people actually experience Call of Duty campaigns.
You can check out some examples of the questionable calling cards in this Twitter thread and see Activision’s official launch details on their Call of Duty blog.
The bigger picture here
This isn’t just about one game – it’s about where the entire industry is heading. AI tools can absolutely help developers be more efficient, but there‘s a line between assistance and replacement. When players start noticing the difference, that’s when you’ve got a problem.
And let’s talk about the Game Pass angle. Microsoft needs big wins to justify those price increases, and Call of Duty day-one on Game Pass is supposed to be that win. But if the game launches with questionable AI content and controversial design choices, does that really help their case? It feels like we’re watching multiple industry trends collide here – subscription services, AI integration, and always-online requirements all happening simultaneously.
Ultimately, players will decide whether this approach works. But if I were betting, I’d say the community isn’t going to be thrilled about AI-generated content in their premium shooter. We’ll see how this plays out when the game actually launches.
