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

The studio behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its new project, creating significant anticipation within the gaming community. However, recent remarks from the company's figurehead have added clarity to the conversation, addressing the developer's stance toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a recent clarification, the studio's founder detailed that the team is using AI technology for particular ancillary purposes. These encompass fleshing out presentation materials, creating initial visual ideas, and drafting placeholder text.

Notably, Vincke emphasized that the end content in the game will be authored exclusively by human creatives. "We are writing every line in-house," he said.

Larian is continuously increasing our pool of concept artists and are currently putting together writing teams.

Given that concept art is being explicitly referenced — we currently have 23 visual developers and have positions available for further creatives.

All our efforts we do is supplementary and focused on having people spend more time on actual creation.

Any machine learning application implemented properly is supplementary to a developer's workflow, not a replacement for their craft.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The admission of AI usage at first provoked backlash among portions of the fanbase. In response, Vincke issued further clarification on online platforms.

"We use machine learning to research ideas, just like we use search engines and reference books," he stated. "During the very early ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then substitute with hand-crafted concept art."

He added, "Our studio recruits talent for their creative vision, not for their capacity to execute what a AI generates."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had earlier outlined the company's targeted approach to this technology, categorizing its use into key areas:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to rapidly prototype basic versions of gameplay ideas to validate concepts ahead of expensive production.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how AI could in the future facilitate innovative reactivity, specifically in creating unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world.

He clearly stated that core creative areas — including writing — are are in no way departments where the team is replacing creative involvement. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these precise fields.

"Larian is neither launching a game with machine-made assets, nor planning on trimming down staff to swap them out with AI," Vincke summarized.