Activision Blizzard is reportedly using generative AI to create some of its biggest games. The company quietly sold AI-generated microtransactions in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, despite promises to only use the technology for concept art and other materials that wouldn’t make it into the final game.
Several major video game companies have already adopted this technology, but many developers are concerned about its impact on job security, human creativity, and the potential for creating unethical content. Some anonymous sources claim that Activision Blizzard laid off 2D artists and forced remaining concept artists to use AI tools, making them sign up for training sessions.
The push to use generative AI often comes from executive levels who see cheaper costs and “good enough” art as acceptable. However, many developers are not in favor of using this technology. As one former Riot Games concept artist said, the AI problem is “emblematic of a much larger issue” around how game workers are treated.
Fortunately, video game studios across the industry are unionizing to combat these issues. For example, Bethesda Game Studios recently created one of the largest cross-department unions in the industry.
Source: https://www.gamesradar.com/games/call-of-duty/activision-blizzard-is-reportedly-already-making-games-with-ai-and-quietly-sold-an-ai-generated-microtransaction-in-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3/