The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Details Its Use of AI Tools for Next Divinity Game

The team behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its upcoming project, sparking a wave of excitement within the industry. However, subsequent comments from the studio's figurehead have added 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, Swen Vincke detailed that the developer is using generative AI for particular supporting tasks. These involve enhancing PowerPoint slides, generating initial artistic references, and creating temporary copy.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the end content in the game will be created solely by human creatives. "Larian is creating all the content manually," he stated.

Larian is constantly expanding our roster of concept artists and are busily putting together writing teams.

Given that visual development is being particularly referenced — we presently have twenty-three artistic staff and have positions available for additional creatives.

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

Any machine learning application implemented properly is supplementary to a creative team routine, not a replacement for their craft.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The news of AI usage at first provoked concern among portions of the community. In response, Vincke offered more clarification on social media.

"At Larian, we employ these tools to research ideas, similar to we use search engines and physical media," he explained. "In the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then replace with original artwork."

He added, "Larian brings on artists for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to follow what a algorithm proposes."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had earlier outlined the company's focused approach to machine learning, categorizing its use into primary areas:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses refining animations, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create basic versions of mechanics to experiment with concepts before expensive implementation.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how machine learning could in the future enhance new forms of player agency, especially in managing unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.

He clearly stated that central narrative disciplines — like writing — are are in no way areas where the company is reducing artistic input. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these precise fields.

"Larian is not releasing a game with AI-generated content, nor planning on cutting teams to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.