Activision Blizzard, along with several other prominent video game companies, is reportedly utilizing generative AI in the creation of some of the industry's most popular games.

Generative AI has been a contentious topic for over a year, with numerous developers voicing concerns about its potential negative effects on job security, human creativity, and its capacity to generate unethical content, such as deepfake porn mods.

However, a new report from Wired suggests that the technology has already been discreetly adopted by some major AAA studios. According to an anonymous source who previously worked at the Call of Duty publisher, the company initially assured that generative AI would only be used for concept art and materials not included in the final game. Despite this, the report claims that by year's end, Activision was already selling AI-generated skins in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 through the Yokai's Wraith bundle.

Another anonymous source indicated that many 2D artists were laid off as part of broader cuts at Microsoft, which resulted in nearly 2,000 job losses. The remaining concept artists were compelled to use AI to assist their work and were required to attend training sessions on AI tools. This trend reflects the ease with which AI can produce 2D art assets, putting concept artists, illustrators, and graphic designers at higher risk.

Former Blizzard artist Lucas Annunziata mentioned that "half the environment art team" was cut from the Overwatch 2 team, though it remains unclear if those working on the hero shooter are also required to use AI.

The Wired investigation highlights that none of the developers interviewed supported the use of generative AI. The push for this technology typically originates from executives seeking cost reductions and "good enough" art.

Rachael Cross, a former concept artist at Riot Games, stated that the AI issue reflects broader problems in how game industry workers are treated. Given the numerous mass layoffs and studio closures in recent months, her perspective is difficult to dispute.

Fortunately, video game studios across the industry are beginning to unionize. For instance, Bethesda Game Studios, developers of Starfield and the Elder Scrolls 6, recently formed one of the industry's largest cross-department unions. The Writers Guild of America also addressed the issue last year by ensuring that Hollywood studios could not use AI without a screenwriter's consent.