The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Explains Its Implementation of AI Tools for Next Divinity Game

The studio behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its upcoming project, sparking a wave of excitement within the gaming community. However, subsequent statements from the company's co-founder have added nuance to the narrative, touching on the developer's approach toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a latest clarification, Larian's director outlined that the company is utilizing machine learning for certain supporting tasks. These involve enhancing presentation materials, generating early-stage visual ideas, and drafting draft copy.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the shipping assets in the game will be created solely by real writers. "Our team is developing everything in-house," he said.

Our studio is constantly increasing our roster of concept artists and are busily assembling narrative groups.

Given that this area is being specifically referenced — we currently have over twenty concept artists and have positions available for further artists.

All our efforts we do is incremental and aimed at having people spend greater focus on the creative process.

Every ML tool used well is a boost to a artist's workflow, not a replacement for their craft.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The news of employing this technology at first generated unease among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke provided additional elaboration on public forums.

"We use machine learning to explore references, just like we use the internet and art books," he explained. "In the conceptual planning process we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then substitute with hand-crafted concept art."

He noted, "Larian brings on talent for their creative vision, not for their ability to execute what a AI generates."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had earlier broken down the studio's targeted approach to AI and ML, categorizing its use into key areas:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes refining animations, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create basic versions of mechanics to test concepts ahead of full production.
• Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how AI could in the future create innovative gameplay, particularly in simulating dynamic reactions in a complex RPG.

He explicitly noted that central narrative areas — like music composition — are are in no way areas where the studio is replacing human input. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact positions.

"Our studio is not shipping a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not considering cutting staff to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.