The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Details Its Application of AI Tools for Next Divinity Game

The team behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its upcoming project, creating a wave of anticipation within the industry. However, recent comments from the company's lead designer have introduced nuance to the discussion, focusing on the developer's stance toward machine learning.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest clarification, the studio's founder outlined that the team is employing generative AI for specific supporting purposes. These involve enhancing pitch decks, creating early-stage concept art, and drafting placeholder text.

Crucially, Vincke emphasized that the final material in the game will be created solely by real artists. "Our team is writing everything in-house," he stated.

Larian is constantly expanding our pool of storytellers and are currently forming narrative groups.

Given that visual development is being particularly mentioned — we currently have twenty-three concept artists and have roles to fill for more talent.

Each initiative we do is incremental and focused on letting our team spend greater focus on actual creation.

Any AI system used well is additive to a creative team routine, not a substitute for their skill.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The admission of employing this technology originally generated concern among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke issued more clarification on public forums.

"At Larian, we employ these tools to research ideas, in the same way we use the internet and art books," he stated. "During the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then replace with hand-crafted concept art."

He continued, "We've hired artists for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to execute what a AI generates."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had earlier broken down the studio's focused method to this technology, defining its use into primary areas:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create rough models of mechanics to test concepts ahead of full implementation.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how machine learning could eventually facilitate new forms of gameplay, specifically in simulating dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.

He specifically stated that central narrative areas — such as writing — are are absolutely not areas where the team is cutting creative involvement. On the contrary, Larian is expanding its staff in these precise positions.

"Larian is not releasing a game with any AI components, nor looking at reducing staff to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.