The latest update for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has sparked controversy among players, with suspicions arising that a new loading screen may be AI-generated.  The Season 1 Reloaded update, released earlier this week, brought a wealth of new content, including maps, cosmetic items, a CODmas event, and new weapons. However, it's the Necroclaus loading screen, featuring a Christmas-themed zombie, that has drawn the ire of some players.

The controversy centers around the zombie's hand, which appears to have an extra finger – a common issue with AI-generated images.  This has led to speculation within the community that the image wasn't created by a human artist.

This isn't the first time the Call of Duty franchise has faced scrutiny over potentially AI-generated content.  A store bundle for Modern Warfare 3 released prior to Black Ops 6's launch in November was also subject to similar accusations.  Some players have expressed disappointment, while others see it as an inevitable shift in game development.

The mid-season update also introduced three new 24/7 multiplayer playlists for Black Ops 6 players to enjoy.

A Reddit post highlighted the Necrocalus loading screen, obtainable through the Merry Mayhem event, showing the zombie with the extra digit.  This has prompted accusations that Treyarch, the game's developer, is prioritizing AI tools over human cosmetic designers.  A job listing from April revealed Treyarch's interest in utilizing AI tools for art development, seeking candidates skilled in using generative AI tools to polish art created by both humans and AI.

While some players lament this potential trend, others view it as the future of game development, expressing a sense of resignation to the increasing use of AI-assisted art creation.