Voice actors abandon Call of Duty Black Ops 6 over AI contract concerns

In recent weeks, the development team behind Call of Duty Black Ops 6 has faced backlash from within its voice acting community. Reports indicate that many voice actors, particularly those involved in the Zombies mode, have stepped away from the project due to a lack of protections against the use of artificial intelligence in their contracts. The concerns were heightened following the release of a bizarre character known as Zombie Santa, which led to accusations that the team was relying on generative AI for character design. This led to significant anxiety within the Treyarch team as they considered potential impacts on beloved characters and their continuous involvement in the franchise. Additionally, insiders reported that the recasting of prominent characters was directly linked to this ongoing concern about AI, prompting fears among fans that they may lose characters they've developed a connection with through multiple game iterations. As the development team navigates these hurdles, it attempts to reassure fans and maintain its commitment to the franchise. The director of Treyarch, Miles Leslie, mentioned that while the team intends to keep the core gameplay of Black Ops grounded, they also aim to introduce fun elements through unexpected cosmetic additions. This balance between realism and whimsy has been a point of contention among players, with fans split between those favoring zany skins and those desiring more traditional, realistic character customization. As season updates continue, including a crossover with Squid Game planned for early next year, the response from the community remains mixed, reflecting deeper conversations on the ethics of AI in gaming and voice acting.