Key Takeaways
- Black Ops 6 players believe the new Necrocalus loading screen features an AI-generated Christmas-themed zombie with an extra finger.
- Fans criticize Treyarch’s potential use of AI-generated cosmetic items in Black Ops 6, expressing disappointment but acknowledging it as the future.
- Treyarch was previously looking for an animator who was proficient in using generative AI tools.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 players have discovered what appears to be an AI-generated loading screen that was released with the Season 1 Reloaded update earlier this week. Black Ops 6‘s new Necroclaus loading screen features a Christmas-themed zombie reaching out towards the screen, but players have now begun speculating that the image is AI-generated as the zombie appears to have an extra finger, which is a common sign of images generated by an AI system.
Activision recently launched the highly anticipated Season 1 Reloaded update for both Black Ops 6 and Warzone on December 5, adding a plethora of new content for multiplayer, Zombies, and Warzone fans. The mid-season refresh brought with it two new multiplayer maps: Hacienda, which was a fan-favorite during the days of Black Ops 4, and Racket, a new 2v2/6v6 map for even more high-octane action. The update also included a plethora of new cosmetic items, a new CODmas event, and plenty of new weapons for players to get their hands on.
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Call of Duty Players Aren’t Happy With New Black Ops 6 Loading Screen
Unfortunately, Black Ops 6‘s cosmetic items continue to cause controversy as a new loading screen is being blasted by players as speculation of AI generation is sweeping the community. Over on Reddit, a new post points out that the Necrocalus loading screen, which can be obtained via the new Merry Mayhem event, features a zombie with “an irregular amount of fingers.” As seen in the image below, the zombie has five fingers and one thumb. Sure, he might be a zombie, but that number just isn’t adding up.
The user goes on to state that Treyarch is “giving us AI slop instead of hiring real cosmetic designers.” Unfortunately, despite being a controversial addition to game development, the use of AI tools shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Back in April, a new job listing from Treyarch revealed that the Call of Duty developer was looking to use AI tools for its art development. The position for a 2D artist/animator said it was searching for a candidate who is skilled in illustration, motion design, and “using generative AI tools.” It also went on to state that the ideal candidate would “polish 2D art made by humans and generative AI tools.”
This also wouldn’t be the first time that fans have blasted Call of Duty for its potential AI-generated cosmetics. Prior to the release of Black Ops 6 in November, Activision released a new store bundle for 2023’s Modern Warfare 3 which was also accused of being generated by AI. Although many fans have expressed their disappointment at the potential use of AI in Black Ops 6, not everyone is surprised. Reddit user Sethology12 said, “This is unfortunately the future,” while Infamous_Mall1798 said, “Yeah, this is the future everything’s gonna be AI-assisted.”
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