Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Slammed for Heavy Use of AI Art Fans and a U.S. Congressman Criticize COD7’s Generative AI Graphics

🎮 COD7’s AI Art Controversy

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has recently come under fire for its extensive use of AI-generated artwork. From unlockable calling cards to in-game posters and reward icons, many of the visuals are reportedly created with generative AI. Some calling cards even mimic the Studio Ghibli style, though critics argue they look poorly made.

While Activision hasn’t outright confirmed which elements are AI-generated, the company acknowledged the use of AI in development, raising concerns about the shift from human artists to automated tools.

😡 Fan Backlash

Gamers have been vocal about their dissatisfaction. Many players who spent $70 on the game are disappointed by what they see as low-quality, machine-made art. Steam reviews reflect this anger, with some describing the title as an “AI-generated slop shooter.”

The game’s single-player mode has also faced criticism. It is online-only, boots players for inactivity, lacks checkpoints or pause options, and offers no AI teammates for solo players. Additionally, the game reuses maps from Warzone, which hasn’t helped its reputation.

🇺🇸 Political Attention

Even U.S. lawmakers have weighed in. Representative Ro Khanna (CA) publicly criticized the game’s reliance on AI, calling it an example of why regulations on AI use are needed. He emphasized that artists should have input on AI deployment and proposed taxes on “mass displacement” caused by automation.

Khanna also referenced Nobel Laureate Daron Acemoglu’s ideas for managing automation, including tax reforms to discourage excessive automation, requiring worker input before AI deployment, and supporting unions to ensure workers benefit from productivity gains.

💻 Game Reception

The backlash isn’t limited to AI concerns. Black Ops 7 currently holds a “Mixed” rating on Steam, with only 42% positive reviews. Its Metacritic user score is historically low for the franchise, standing at 1.8/10. While user reviews can sometimes be exaggerated, the figures suggest widespread disappointment.

Many players hope that the negative reception will encourage publishers to prioritize human artistry over AI-generated shortcuts in future releases.

🔚 Final Thoughts

Black Ops 7’s AI-driven art and controversial gameplay design have sparked a major conversation about the future of game development. Fans, critics, and even politicians are questioning whether automation should replace human creativity, and this debate is likely to shape the industry moving forward.