LB Beistad is a writer and musician based in Nashville, TN. Her love of gaming began with her cousin introducing her to Banjo Kazooie and Jak and Daxter. It was love at first play. Since then, she has grown a love specifically for narrative driven games and platformers.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has been under fire for its use of AI artwork, and it’s now caused US representative Ro Khanna to speak up on AI regulations. The launch of Black Ops 7 has been quite divisive across the board, and the presence of AI-generated images in the game has frustrated many players even more.
Between criticism of the game’s campaign and low user ratings, Black Ops 7 is off to a rocky start, and the AI controversy isn’t helping. Steam has even refunded a Black Ops 7 player due to the game’s AI use. The use of AI in game development has been a huge debate this year, and Black Ops 7 is adding more fuel to the fire. Gamers aren’t the only people participating in the discourse, either, as the issue has inspired Ro Khanna to make an official statement regarding the matter.
Related
Activision Issues Official Statement on Black Ops 7 AI Art Accusations
In the midst of mounting Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 AI art allegations, Activision issues an official statement on the matter.
Californian US Congress Member Ro Khanna Calls for AI Regulation in Light of Black Ops 7 Controversy
Representative Khanna took to Twitter to address the Black Ops 7 controversy, insisting that company use of AI should be regulated in order to protect employees. Khanna’s argument claims that large companies using AI as a way to cut costs instead of employing actual artists is a misuse of the technology. He further states that the employed artists at such companies should ultimately have a say in how this technology gets used, which would presumably give artists more agency in the workplace.
Developers like Treyarch and Raven Software aren’t the only companies to have been under fire recently for their use of AI. Last week, Subnautica 2 publisher Krafton ignited controversy after it was reported that the company is buying out employee contracts, so it can become an “AI-first” operation. Black Ops 7’s AI usage may not be on that scale, but Khanna’s words are a reminder that the AI-made calling cards in the game could have been made by an actual artist who would have been paid for their work.
As AI continues to evolve, the debate about whether AI should be regulated or not is only going to become more prevalent. Elon Musk even claims that he’ll release an AI-generated game by the end of next year. It’s highly unlikely that AI will ever go away, but Representative Khanna’s statement showcases what a key issue this is. There are a lot of feelings surrounding the AI topic, but it’s important to have conversations about it in order to find a fair solution.
Released
November 14, 2025
ESRB
Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs
