By Arkagame.com | November 14, 2025
Activision has confirmed that AI tools played a role in the development of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, continuing a trend from previous entries in the franchise. While AI supported certain aspects of development, Activision emphasized that the creative process remains fully human-led.
“Like so many around the world, we use a variety of digital tools, including AI tools, to empower and support our teams to create the best gaming experiences possible for our players. Our creative process continues to be led by the talented individuals in our studios,” the company stated.
Where to Buy Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
- PS5: Amazon – $69
- PS5: GameStop – $69.99
- PS5: Best Buy – $94.95
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AI in Black Ops 7
Activision explained that developers working on Black Ops 7 utilized generative AI to assist in developing some in-game assets. Importantly, the company clarified that none of this AI-generated content appears directly in the gameplay.
Some players noticed Calling Cards with a “Ghibli-style” anime appearance at launch, sparking speculation that AI tools were involved in their creation.
The Black Ops 7 Steam page confirms:
“Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets.”
This statement mirrors the language used for Black Ops 6, showing continuity in Treyarch’s approach to AI-assisted development.
Historical Use of AI in Call of Duty
In 2024, an anonymous source told Wired that some concept artists were “encouraged” to use AI to aid their work. That same year, several 2D artists were laid off, although it’s unclear if AI tools were a factor.
Treyarch’s Miles Leslie emphasized that AI tools are meant to streamline workflows, not replace human creators:
“The use of AI tools helps the team but does not replace any of the fantastic team members who are building content for Call of Duty.”
Any prior AI-generated content in previous Call of Duty titles was likely accidental, according to Leslie.
Industry Perspective on AI in Game Development
AI adoption is growing across the gaming industry:
- A global survey of developers found most studios now use AI tools in some part of their pipeline.
- Titles like Arc Raiders have experimented with AI-generated voice lines.
- Competing FPS series like Battlefield reportedly avoid generative AI in-game but may use it early in development for concept and design tasks.
Industry leaders, including EA CEO Andrew Wilson, acknowledge concerns over AI-driven job losses but argue that new roles will emerge, similar to past technological shifts. Microsoft layoffs, including cuts at Xbox and King, have raised additional concerns about AI replacing certain positions.
Availability
Black Ops 7 is available on:
- PS5 & PS4
- Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One
- PC (via Steam and other retailers)
- Xbox Game Pass (without the new 50% price hike applied by Microsoft for some titles)
For a full campaign review and multiplayer tips for Black Ops 7, visit Arkagame.com.
