The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Explains Its Application of AI Tools for New Divinity

The studio behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its new project, sparking a wave of hype within the player base. However, recent comments from the studio's co-founder have introduced a new dimension to the conversation, touching on the developer's approach toward AI tools.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a recent clarification, the studio's founder detailed that the developer is employing AI technology for certain supporting functions. These involve fleshing out presentation materials, producing rough artistic references, and drafting placeholder copy.

Importantly, Vincke stressed that the end material in the game will be crafted exclusively by human writers. "Larian is creating all the content manually," he affirmed.

Our studio is constantly increasing our team of concept artists and are actively forming narrative groups.

Since this area is being specifically referenced — we right now have twenty-three concept artists and have job openings for additional artists.

Each initiative we do is incremental and aimed at having people spend additional energy on the creative process.

Every ML tool implemented properly is supplementary to a developer's routine, not a substitute for their skill.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The admission of employing this technology at first sparked concern among some the player base. In response, Vincke provided more elaboration on social media.

"Our team utilizes AI tools to research ideas, similar to we use Google and reference books," he explained. "During the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then substitute with original concept art."

He added, "Larian brings on creatives for their creative vision, not for their willingness to replicate what a machine suggests."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had earlier outlined the company's focused method to AI and ML, categorizing its use into key areas:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using tools to speedily create simple models of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts before complete production.
• Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how machine learning could in the future enhance emergent gameplay, particularly in creating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.

He clearly noted that central narrative disciplines — like writing — are are in no way departments where the company is replacing creative talent. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these precise positions.

"Our studio is not releasing a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not planning on reducing teams to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.