Activision’s Response to Black Ops 6 Cast Quitting Over AI Dispute Is Concerning but Company Wants a “mutually beneficial outcome”

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Activision’s Response to ****** Ops 6 Cast Quitting Over AI Dispute Is Concerning but Company Wants a “mutually beneficial outcome”

Call of Duty: ****** Ops 6 has been the most successful title of the series in recent history. But alongside all its positives, it also comes with some massive drawbacks, including the recent AI controversies. Voice actors involved in the Zombies mode have quit over concerns related to AI exploitation, leading to fan backlash.

This is a real issue outside of just this game. | Image Credit: Treyarch

Activision has responded with a cautious statement, citing respect for performers’ choices while seeking a “mutually beneficial outcome.” However, the absence of transparency and the apparent use of AI-generated voice lines have raised ethical and creative concerns that the studio has to address in a better way.

Activision’s response to the ****** Ops 6 cast quitting is a bit underwhelming

Why did Activision even choose to do this? | Image Credit: Treyarch

The issues initially started when updates to ****** Ops 6 Zombies introduced new voice lines that players noticed sounded markedly different. Characters like William ***** and Samantha Maxis, previously voiced by Zeke Alton and Julie Nathanson, now appear to have been recast.

RUMOR: Almost all of the voice actors in the zombies crew of ****** Ops 6 Zombies have apparently pulled out of working over the lack of protection against AI in their contracts.

It is likely we will see more recasts soon, especially in future maps.

Per

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— COD: Zombies News (@MargwaNetwork)

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Alton confirmed to

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that he did not reprise his role and raised concerns about the lack of transparency. Nathanson remains credited, though it’s unclear which lines are hers. For many, this development symbolizes the growing unease around AI in creative roles.

In response, Activision acknowledged the recasting but refrained from directly addressing AI concerns. A company spokesperson also stated to GameDeveloper, “We respect the personal choice of these performers. Out of respect for all parties, we won’t add new commentary about the ongoing negotiations with SAG-AFTRA.“

The controversy ties into the larger SAG-AFTRA strike, which began in July 2024 and centers on AI protections for video game performers. While ****** Ops 6 is not technically a struck production due to existing union agreements, many actors have chosen not to renew their contracts in solidarity.

Players have noticed problems outside of just the voice-acting

The studio has the chance to set an example. | Image Credit: Treyarch

Fans have responded by immediately calling for more transparency. Many have called for Activision and Treyarch to implement stronger AI usage policies and ensure human-driven creativity. Without clear safeguards against AI overreach, Activision risks alienating the creative talent and players that have defined the Call of Duty franchise’s success.

One of the new loading screen customization options added to Call of Duty: ****** Ops 6 with Season 01 Reloaded appears to be an AI created image as the Zombie in the image has 6 fingers.

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— CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL)

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This isn’t the only area where ****** Ops 6 has faced this issue. In the same ******* of time, fans started to notice other in-game assets that seemed suspiciously like AI. The main example that was brought forward was a loading screen artwork of a zombie that had six fingers.

The union representing video game actors has made AI protections a key focus of its strike. Current disputes highlight the industry’s refusal to provide clear safeguards for performers, with negotiators pushing for explicit terms that prevent exploitation. The issue extends beyond voice actors, encompassing motion capture and other creative roles vulnerable to AI replacement.

The ****** Ops 6 controversy offers Activision and other studios an opportunity to set a positive example in AI ethics. By having transparent policies and safeguarding creative talent, companies can ensure a sustainable future for gaming so both players and studios can benefit.

Where do you think Activision plans to take the game? Let us know your thoughts about the situation!

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