Activision announce surprise new Call of Duty games – but they aren’t actually real

Despite fans’ resistance to its implementation, AI has become increasingly present in video games, including Call of Duty.

CoD players already suspected it, but on February 24, Activision was finally forced to disclose its use of Artificial Intelligence in the game’s creation.

“Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets,” Activision said on the Black Ops 6 Steam page.

The statement failed to clarify the extent of AI’s utilization, and the lack of transparency left players worried. Activision didn’t do itself any favors by using AI to advertise games that aren’t real.

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Fake CoD, Crash Bandicoot & Guitar Hero mobile games explained

Activision

CharlieIntel revealed, “Activision is running ads on its official Facebook and Instagram asking for people’s thoughts on Call of Duty: Sniper and Call of Duty Zombies Defender mobile games, which have AI-generated art.”

The download links take you to a survey to provide feedback on whether you’d play the game if it were real. And it’s not just CoD; there are also ads with AI artwork for Guitar Hero Mobile, Crash Bandicoot Brawl, and Hexen.

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Fans did not respond well to learning about the strange marketing practice.

“I’m sure the audience duped into clicking on a fake download page will provide extremely valuable insight to Activision,” one player joked.

“You’d think a billion-dollar corporation would be able to afford to hire real artists,” a second user added.

Activision has not responded to complaints about the ads, and it’s unclear if there are plans to truly create these games.

Related

New Black Ops 6 Zombies map already under fire for AI concerns hours after reveal

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If not, it would be a shame because there hasn’t been a new Guitar Hero game in 10 years. In 2020, online servers for Guitar Hero were shut down on PS3, meaning the games are now only playable on Xbox 360.

For more on Call of Duty, check out everything we know about the upcoming Season 3 update.