Since the launch of 'Call of Duty: Black Ops 6' on the 14th, the studio has been mired in controversy over the questionable use of generative AI. Several 'Calling Cards'—key rewards earned through gameplay—feature illustrations that bear an uncanny resemblance to Ghibli-style art. Fans are rightfully miffed; these images clash violently with the series' gritty military aesthetic, and there is a growing concern that these assets were pushed through without any proper copyright due diligence.

Calling Cards are meant to be a badge of honour, earned by completing specific in-game challenges to customise your player profile. Following the release of Black Ops 6, Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) were set ablaze with discussions about these Ghibli-esque illustrations. The content—featuring iron-clad armour, fire-breathing dragons, and mages wielding lightning—feels more suited to a medieval fantasy romp than the boots-on-the-ground military shooter we were promised.

Critics argue that beyond the mere use of AI, the decision to include assets that fundamentally don't fit the 'Call of Duty' vibe suggests that the developers have lost touch with their core audience. While a previous hiccup in Black Ops 6—where a zombie was spotted with six fingers—raised similar AI suspicions, at least that monstrosity felt somewhat at home in a horror setting.

The rot seems to run deeper, as players are now questioning whether the 'Prestige' icons, which signify a player's hard-earned achievements, have also been churned out by AI.

To be fair, the official Steam page for Black Ops 6 does disclose the use of AI-generated content. When pressed by outlets like CharlieIntel and PC Gamer, Activision stated: "Like many companies around the world, we use a range of digital tools, including AI, to support our teams as they work to provide the best player experience. The development process remains led by our talented teams." While they didn't specifically address the controversial Calling Cards, the admission confirms that AI is firmly embedded in their workflow.

Considering the sheer scale of the project—involving Treyarch, Raven Software, Activision Shanghai, Beenox, Demonware, Digital Legends, High Moon Studios, Sledgehammer Games, and Infinity Ward—it is galling that such jarring content made the cut. Beyond the obvious copyright concerns, players are feeling the sting of paying full price for a game only to be served AI-generated filler instead of bespoke work from the developers they thought they were supporting.