Black Ops 7: Activision Uses Gen-AI for Asset Creation, Aims to "Empower" Devs

Black Ops is back. Or, well, it will be back. Eventually. But the whispers around the next installment – let's just call it Black Ops 7 for now, shall we? – are getting LOUD. And they all seem to be pointing in one very specific, and frankly, slightly terrifying, direction: generative AI.

Activision, the behemoth behind Call of Duty (and countless other gaming empires), is reportedly diving headfirst into the world of Gen-AI for asset creation. Now, before you picture Skynet churning out entire levels from scratch, the reality, at least according to what I'm hearing, is a little more nuanced. The goal isn't to replace developers (at least not yet!), but to “empower” them. Or so the narrative goes.

But here's the thing: "empowerment" can be a loaded word, can't it? What does that even mean in this context? Is it about freeing up developers to focus on the core creative aspects of game design? Or is it a thinly veiled cost-cutting measure disguised as progress? I'll be honest; the latter is a bit of a concern. And I'm not the only one feeling a little uneasy.

The Promise (and Peril) of AI-Assisted Development

I've got to admit, the potential upsides of using AI in game development are genuinely exciting. Imagine being able to rapidly prototype new ideas, iterate on designs in real-time based on AI-driven feedback, or generate variations of existing assets to populate massive open worlds. Think about the possibilities for indie developers, too, who often lack the resources of these big companies. It could give them a real shot at competing, which would be great.

But... (there's always a "but," isn't there?) the risks are equally significant. One of my biggest concerns is the potential for homogenization. If everyone's using the same AI tools and datasets, aren't we just going to end up with a bunch of games that look and feel the same? Where's the innovation? Where's the artistry?

And then there's the ethical dimension. What happens to the artists, level designers, and other creatives whose jobs are potentially threatened by these technologies? Are we prepared to retrain them? To support them? Or are we just going to toss them aside in the name of “progress”? These are tough questions, and I don't think the industry is taking them seriously enough.

Activision's "Empowerment" Strategy: A Closer Look

So, what exactly is Activision planning? Details are still scarce, but from what I gather, they're focusing on using AI to automate some of the more tedious and time-consuming tasks in asset creation. Things like generating textures, creating basic 3D models, and even populating environments with foliage and other details. The idea is that this will free up developers to focus on the more creative aspects of the game, like level design, story writing, and character development.

That sounds good on paper, but the devil's always in the details. I remember when 3D asset stores started becoming popular. I initially thought X, but after looking deeper, what actually happened was that lower-level artists found it more difficult to break into the industry. As highlighted in The Economist's special report last summer, this often leads to a race to the bottom.

And let's be honest, Activision has a… complicated relationship with its workforce. They've been accused of crunch culture, unfair labor practices, and a general lack of respect for their employees. So, forgive me if I'm a little skeptical about their motives here. Will this AI-powered "empowerment" actually benefit developers, or is it just another way to squeeze more productivity out of them while cutting costs? I'm not entirely sure. But hey, you can always play some classic games in the meantime, for example PS2 games on the PC store.

The Future of Game Development: AI and the Human Touch

The frustrating thing about this topic is that there's no easy answer. AI is clearly going to play a bigger and bigger role in game development, whether we like it or not. The question is, how do we ensure that it's used in a way that benefits everyone – developers, players, and the industry as a whole?

I keep coming back to this point because it's crucial: We need to prioritize the human element. Games are, at their core, a creative medium. They're about storytelling, world-building, and creating emotional experiences. And those things require human creativity, passion, and empathy. AI can be a powerful tool, but it should never replace the human touch.

Maybe the answer lies in finding a balance – using AI to automate the mundane tasks, while empowering developers to focus on the things that make games truly special. Maybe it's about creating new roles and opportunities for creatives in the age of AI. Or maybe it's about pushing back against the relentless pursuit of efficiency and prioritizing the human element above all else. Whatever the solution, one thing is clear: we need to start having these conversations now, before it's too late. Speaking of conversations, here's a related topic, did you hear about the Elden Ring mod that turns it into a co-op game?

FAQ: AI in Game Development - What You Need to Know

How could Activision's use of Gen-AI affect the quality of Black Ops 7?

That's the million-dollar question! If used correctly, Gen-AI could lead to richer, more detailed environments and faster iteration on game design. But if Activision relies too heavily on AI-generated content, we could see a decline in originality and artistic vision. It really depends on how they strike the balance between automation and human creativity. It could even be great for modding!

Why are some developers worried about AI in the gaming industry?

The biggest concern is job security. If AI can automate tasks previously done by human artists and designers, some fear they'll be out of work. There's also the worry that AI will lead to more generic, cookie-cutter games, lacking the unique personality and artistic flair that comes from human creators.

How do I know if a game used too much AI in its development?

That's a tricky one! It's not always obvious. But some telltale signs might include repetitive environments, uninspired character designs, and a general lack of originality. If the game feels bland and soulless, there's a chance AI played too big of a role. But let's be fair, there are tons of great games right now that used AI to some extent.

Is it all doom and gloom? Are there any benefits to using Gen-AI in game development?

Not at all! Gen-AI has the potential to revolutionize game development. It can speed up the development process, allowing developers to experiment with new ideas and create more ambitious games. It can also help smaller studios compete with larger ones, by giving them access to powerful tools that were previously out of reach.