The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Explains Its Implementation of Generative AI for Upcoming Divinity

The team behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its upcoming project, sparking a wave of excitement within the player base. However, recent comments from the company's lead designer have brought nuance to the discussion, addressing the team's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a latest statement, the studio's founder explained that the company is using machine learning for specific supporting purposes. These involve enhancing PowerPoint slides, creating rough visual ideas, and drafting draft text.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the shipping material in the game will be crafted exclusively by actual writers. "We are writing every line ourselves," he affirmed.

Larian is actively growing our roster of storytellers and are busily forming writing teams.

As concept art is being specifically mentioned — we currently have twenty-three visual developers and have positions available for more creatives.

Each initiative we do is incremental and designed to enabling creatives to spend more time on the creative process.

Any machine learning application used well is supplementary to a creative team routine, not a replacement for their skill.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The admission of employing this technology at first generated concern among portions of the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke issued additional detail on public forums.

"We use machine learning to explore references, just like we use the internet and physical media," he wrote. "During the conceptual planning process we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then swap out with original illustrations."

He added, "Our studio recruits creatives for their unique talent, not for their ability to execute what a algorithm proposes."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had previously outlined the studio's targeted method to AI and ML, categorizing its use into primary functions:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create rough mock-ups of scenarios to experiment with concepts ahead of full development.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Investigating how AI could in the future create new forms of player agency, especially in simulating unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.

He specifically noted that core creative disciplines — such as writing — are are absolutely not fields where the studio is reducing human input. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact positions.

"We are not launching a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not planning on trimming down creatives to replace them with AI," Vincke concluded.