Barely there and already heavily criticized: Users complain about the use of AI images in Call of Duty Black Ops 7

Just a few days ago, Activision released Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, the latest installment in the series. However, the launch was anything but ideal for many players. Complaints about technical problems are piling up on Steam, which are significantly dampening the gaming experience. However, another issue is also causing additional discussion, as Activision is apparently using AI-generated images in the game.

In Black Ops 7 there are so-called “Calling Cards”. These are player cards that are displayed as banners in the profile, for example. Several users noticed that some of these cards clearly look like AI graphics. Among others, the X user (formerly Twitter) Kumesicles publicly criticized this problem. Looking at the examples, you can actually get the impression that this is AI-generated content.

Loving the Unique style of art they've gone with for these calling cards pic.twitter.com/c583gv4Qpn

— Kume (@Kumesicles) November 13, 2025

When asked by PC Gamer, Activision finally confirmed the use of such technologies. Like other developers, the company uses technical tools such as AI to offer players “the best possible experience”.

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

Whether this actually contributes to a better gaming experience remains questionable when you consider the large number of user reviews on various platforms. It should be mentioned that this is not the first time Activision has used AI-generated images. The predecessor Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 already made use of AI tools, and the company was also heavily criticized for this back then. Nevertheless, Activision seems to be continuing to rely on these technologies. There is also an indication on Steam that generative AI is used in the game.

The developers describe how their game uses AI Generated Content like this:

Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in game assets.

Even though AI is probably one of the most common criticisms, players also struggle with various other technical difficulties. For example, some report that you have to restart the level in the campaign if you are AFK for too long and are then kicked out, or that it is currently not possible to pause the game.

Source: Steam, PC Gamers