Activision taps AI for sneak peek at possible Guitar Hero, Call of Duty and Crash Bandicoot games
Fans asked to provide their views on ideas seemingly being considered for development
Activision appears to be gauging interest in new Guitar Hero, Call of Duty and Crash Bandicoot games using AI generated adverts for non-existent titles.
Adverts for Guitar Hero Mobile, Call of Duty: Zombie Defender and Crash Bandicoot Brawl have recently been appearing on the company’s social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram.
While the adverts initially appear to serve as new product announcements, their use of generative AI for promotional artwork quickly raised doubts about whether this was actually the case.
It seems these initial doubts were well founded, as some of the ads feature links to mocked up app stores. When users then attempt to download the ‘product’ they’re met with a message explaining the true nature of the ad.
It reads: “Thanks for your interest! This isn’t a real game, but could be some day! We’d love if you could answer this short survey, which could help inform the potential future of this game. Your feedback really matters to us!”
According to one advert: “Guitar Hero Mobile is a fast-paced, competitive mobile rhythm game where players face off in real-time musical battles, hitting notes in sync with the music to climb the global leaderboards and become the ultimate rockstar.”
“Call of Duty: Zombie Defender is a top-down, tactical mobile defense game where players build defenses and fight off waves of zombies in an iconic, post-apocalyptic world,” reads another.
And a third reads: “Crash Bandicoot Brawl is a fast-paced, round survival game where 30+ contestants compete against one another in wacky platforming, puzzle-solving, and obstacle course challenges.”
Activision recently confirmed that its teams use generative AI tools to help develop some in game assets for Call of Duty.
In a GDC survey published this January, 52% of developers said generative AI tools were being used at their workplace.
