The Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 community has stirred up controversy after players noticed something strange about a new loading screen introduced in the Season 1 Reloaded update. The Necrocalus screen, featuring a festive zombie with Christmas vibes, caught attention not for its holiday cheer but for an oddly specific detail—an extra finger.
The zombie’s six-fingered hand sparked immediate speculation that the image was created using AI tools, a notion that riled fans. On Reddit, one user slammed Treyarch for “giving us AI slop instead of hiring real cosmetic designers.” Many fans echoed the frustration, viewing the possible reliance on AI as a cost-cutting move that undermines the artistry Call of Duty is known for.
This isn’t the first time Treyarch and Activision have faced criticism over suspected AI-generated content. Prior to Black Ops 6’s release, players accused Modern Warfare 3 of using AI tools for its cosmetics. Treyarch even posted a job listing earlier this year seeking an artist skilled in both human design and generative AI, further fueling concerns.
While some fans expressed disappointment, others saw the writing on the wall. One Redditor commented, “This is unfortunately the future,” while another remarked, “Everything’s gonna be AI-assisted.”
Despite the backlash, Black Ops 6 continues to draw players in with its high-octane multiplayer action, round-based Zombies mode, and an espionage-filled campaign set in the 1990s. But as the use of AI in game development becomes more prominent, fans will likely keep a critical eye on the fine details—especially if they involve extra appendages.
this loading screen depicts a character with an irregular amount of fingers.
by u/_stnky__ in blackops6
