A new report about the use of generative AI in the gaming industry claims a cosmetic in Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 that was sold to players was made using the controversial technology.
According to a report by Wired, an Activision employee recieved an email from chief technology officer Michael Vance stating AI was “top of mind” at the company back in spring 2023, and other emails had told staff that the use of generative AI was approved for creating concept art by July.
The report further claims that by the end of 2023, Activision offered an AI-generated cosmetic for sale to players. The cosmetic in question isn’t named, but a link is given to the Yokai’s Wrath bundle, which sells for 1,500 COD points. The cheapest way to get these would be to buy a bundle of 2,400 for £16.79.
NME has reached out to Activision for confirmation.
The report also points out that Activision’s parent company, Microsoft, laid off 1,900 gaming employees a few months after this skin was sold, fueling artist fears that their jobs in the industry are being threatened by generative AI.
In response to Wired‘s tweet to the report, people are generally unhappy. “This won’t turn out well”, wrote one person, with another stating “Sounds like a clever way to cut costs and churn out more games without breaking the bank. Guess that’s what happens when you’re a massive corporation trying to squeeze every last drop out of your bottom line.”
“That so many talented people have been thrown aside because the execs embrace salesmen selling them some overpromised shit is kinda depressing”, wrote another.
In other news, solo Fortnite players are unhappy a new quest requires them to party up, but we have a solution that means you can play alone and still complete the quest.
The post AI used to make part of ‘Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’, report claims appeared first on NME.
