Activision Report: AI-Created Weapon Skins Sold to Call of Duty Players

According to a report, Activision has allegedly sold AI-generated skins to players of Modern Warfare 3. The report also suggests that numerous game developers are being compelled to utilize AI tools to assist in their workflow.

The use of generative AI in game development pipelines has been investigated by WIRED, with a focus on major developers such as Activision Blizzard and Riot Games.

The report stated that in early 2023, Activision Blizzard began implementing AI technology into their games. By July of the same year, they had obtained access to GPT-3.5 and officially authorized the use of select generative AI tools for the development of concept art and marketing materials.

It was reported that by the end of 2023, Activision had sold an AI-generated cosmetic item in Modern Warfare 3’s in-game store.

Modern warfare 3 yokais wrath banner — Activision

According to the report, the Yokai’s Wrath bundle was created, at least in part, by Artificial Intelligence.

Despite not explicitly stating which cosmetic bundle was created with the assistance of AI, WIRED included a link to the Yokai’s Wrath bundle, suggesting that it is the bundle in question.

The Yokai’s Wrath Operator bundle, which players could purchase in-store, was released in December 2023 at a price of 1,500 CoD Points, which is approximately equal to $15.

The specific part of the bundle that utilized generative AI in its creation is not specified, but the bundle includes an Operator skin, a weapon Blueprint, a Calling Card, a Weapon sticker, and a loading screen. It is also unclear if Activision has released any other cosmetic items using AI-generated art.

WIRED reports that developers of CoD were given the green light to include Midjourney and Stable Diffusion, generative AI programs, in the creation of their AI art.

Shortly after the release of the bundle, Microsoft announced the layoff of 1,900 employees from Activision Blizzard and Xbox. An Activision employee, who spoke with WIRED, revealed that the remaining concept artists were compelled to utilize AI to assist with their tasks.

Riot Games was also involved in the investigation, supposedly conducting tests on an internal generative AI, but it was reported that the project did not gain enough support within the company.

Despite the report, Activision Blizzard has not provided any comments.