The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Clarifies Its Implementation of AI Tools for New Divinity Game

The developer behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its next major project, generating immense excitement within the industry. However, follow-up remarks from the studio's figurehead have introduced nuance to the discussion, focusing on the studio's philosophy toward generative artificial intelligence.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a new statement, the studio's founder outlined that the team is employing AI technology for specific supporting purposes. These include developing pitch decks, generating rough concept art, and creating draft dialogue.

Notably, Vincke made clear that the shipping assets in the game will be authored exclusively by human writers. "Our team is developing everything ourselves," he affirmed.

Larian is continuously growing our roster of storytellers and are busily assembling narrative groups.

Since concept art is being specifically mentioned — we right now have twenty-three concept artists and have job openings for additional talent.

Everything we do is supplementary and aimed at enabling creatives to spend additional energy on making content.

Every machine learning application applied correctly is additive to a artist's process, not a replacement for their talent.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The news of using AI initially generated backlash among some the fanbase. In response, Vincke offered further elaboration on online platforms.

"At Larian, we employ AI tools to gather inspiration, just like we use the internet and art books," he wrote. "In the initial ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then swap out with hand-crafted illustrations."

He continued, "We've hired creatives for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to execute what a algorithm proposes."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had earlier broken down the team's targeted approach to machine learning, categorizing its use into three main areas:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to rapidly prototype basic versions of scenarios to test concepts prior to complete implementation.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how machine learning could eventually create innovative gameplay, specifically in managing player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He explicitly affirmed that key artistic areas — like visual art — are are absolutely not areas where the studio is cutting human input. Conversely, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact positions.

"Larian is neither shipping a game with machine-made assets, nor looking at reducing creatives to swap them out with AI," Vincke summarized.