Activision have sold an AI-generated cosmetic in Modern Warfare 3 – Report

Activision have sold an AI-generated cosmetic in Modern Warfare 3 – Report

As a dedicated Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 fan with years of gaming experience under my belt, I’m both intrigued and concerned by the recent revelation that some aspects of the game’s cosmetic bundles were created using AI tools. The Yokai’s Wrath bundle, in particular, has been identified as potentially being partly AI-generated.


As a huge fan of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, I’m thrilled about the vast array of personalization choices it provides. With buyable Operator skins and bundles, I can make my in-game character truly unique. And here’s an intriguing piece of info: some of these customizations are reportedly created using advanced AI tools.

According to a report in the American publication WIRED, Activision started using artificial intelligence (AI) in their video game production as early as the spring of 2023. This innovation is particularly noticeable in generating concept art and promotional content.

According to the report, MW3 gamers were offered an AI-generated package for sale towards the end of 2023. WIRED didn’t specifically mention the name of this purchasable cosmetic, but they connected it to the Yokai’s Wrath bundle that came out in December 2023.

I recently came across an intriguing piece of news from WIRED: they reported that certain elements in the Yokai Wrath pack for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III were created with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) software. Furthermore, according to WIRED, Activision developers gained permission to employ generative AI applications earlier this year.

— CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) July 24, 2024

It’s likely that some parts of this bundle were created with the help of artificial intelligence, although the exact components are uncertain. The bundle consists of an Operator skin, Weapon Blueprint, Weapon Sticker, Calling Card, and Loading Screen.

After the release of the MW3 bundle, Microsoft announced layoffs affecting approximately 1,900 employees from Activision Blizzard and Xbox. A significant number of these let go were reportedly 2D artists. According to an unidentified artist from Activision who spoke with WIRED, the survivors were subsequently required to incorporate AI technology into their tasks.

The employees in question underwent training in artificial intelligence and have been reportedly advanced to higher positions within the company.

It appears that AI technology is becoming increasingly prevalent, including in popular games like Call of Duty. This was highlighted by a recent job posting from Treyarch for an art position, which specified “expertise in working with advanced AI tools” as a requirement. This announcement sparked strong reactions and sadness within the gaming community.

With a release date of October 25 for Black Ops 6, it’s uncertain what the project entailed. However, given that Activision utilized generative tools for development as early as 2023, it’s reasonable to assume that artificial intelligence played a role in its creation.

Wired doesn’t only explore how Activison utilizes AI, but they also delved into the practices of Riot Games, creators of League of Legends and Valorant.

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2024-07-24 14:06