Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has sparked widespread backlash after players accused the developers of relying far more heavily on generative AI than disclosed. Steam requires studios to declare AI usage, but online reactions suggest the title contains a significantly higher volume of AI-generated elements than expected, fuelling disappointment among long-time fans of the franchise.
The game, released on Nov. 14, currently holds a “Mostly Negative” rating on Steam with more than 1,300 unfavourable reviews. While the zombies mode has been positively received, criticism of the campaign and in-game artwork has dominated user feedback. Some players have reported receiving refunds after completing the campaign, pointing to AI-generated visuals as the primary reason for dissatisfaction.
Screenshots shared across social media appear to show achievement art and cosmetic items that users believe were produced using generative AI rather than traditional asset creation. Many players claim that multiple core visual elements — including posters, calling cards and reward icons — exhibit tell-tale signs of AI-generated output. The controversy has intensified debate over whether AI is reducing artistic value in full-price game releases.
Sales data has added another setback for the title. Industry tracker GSD reported that Black Ops 7 sales have dropped by half compared with Black Ops 6, while opening-week performance is estimated to be 63% lower than that of rival Battlefield 6. Additional data suggests that a significant portion of Call of Duty players from September transitioned to Battlefield 6 in October.
The situation highlights rising sensitivity among gamers regarding the role of artificial intelligence in content creation. Although developers met the requirement to disclose their AI usage on Steam, the backlash suggests transparency alone may not be enough to satisfy players who expect premium assets and strong production quality from major franchises.
Sources: TheGameBusiness, Bsky