The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Clarifies Its Application of AI Tools for Upcoming Divinity

The studio behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its new project, sparking immense hype within the player base. However, follow-up statements from the studio's figurehead have introduced nuance to the narrative, focusing on the team's philosophy toward generative artificial intelligence.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a recent clarification, Swen Vincke outlined that the developer is utilizing generative AI for certain ancillary tasks. These include fleshing out pitch decks, generating rough concept art, and drafting temporary text.

Notably, Vincke emphasized that the end assets in the game will be authored entirely by human creatives. "Larian is creating all the content manually," he said.

Our studio is constantly growing our pool of writers and are currently putting together narrative groups.

Since concept art is being particularly referenced — we right now have twenty-three artistic staff and have positions available for more creatives.

Everything we do is incremental and focused on having people spend additional energy on actual creation.

Any machine learning application used well is supplementary to a artist's workflow, not a substitute for their skill.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The news of using AI initially generated backlash among a segment of the community. In response, Vincke provided further clarification on public forums.

"At Larian, we employ AI tools to gather inspiration, similar to we use Google and reference books," he explained. "During the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then substitute with authentic artwork."

He noted, "Larian brings on talent for their unique talent, not for their capacity to replicate what a AI generates."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had earlier detailed the team's practical approach to AI and ML, grouping its use into three main pillars:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to rapidly prototype simple versions of scenarios to validate concepts prior to full production.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how machine learning could in the future create emergent player agency, especially in managing player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He clearly stated that key artistic disciplines — including visual art — are are in no way areas where the studio is reducing human input. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these very fields.

"We are neither shipping a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not planning on trimming down teams to replace them with AI," Vincke concluded.