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

The team behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its new project, sparking a wave of excitement within the industry. However, recent remarks from the company's lead designer have introduced a new dimension to the narrative, addressing the developer's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new clarification, Swen Vincke detailed that the company is utilizing machine learning for particular preliminary purposes. These encompass fleshing out presentation materials, producing initial concept art, and drafting placeholder text.

Notably, Vincke stressed that the final material in the game will be crafted entirely by real artists. "Larian is developing everything ourselves," he said.

Larian is constantly expanding our team of writers and are actively assembling dedicated writer rooms.

As this area is being specifically mentioned — we currently have 23 concept artists and have roles to fill for more talent.

All our efforts we do is additive and designed to letting our team spend additional energy on the creative process.

Every AI system used well is supplementary to a creative team process, not a replacement for their skill.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The news of employing this technology at first provoked unease among a segment of the community. In response, Vincke provided additional detail on public forums.

"Our team utilizes these tools to research ideas, just like we use the internet and physical media," he wrote. "During the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then substitute with authentic illustrations."

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

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had earlier broken down the studio's targeted method to machine learning, categorizing its use into key pillars:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses refining animations, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to quickly build rough models of scenarios to experiment with concepts prior to expensive development.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how machine learning could one day create new forms of player agency, specifically in managing unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.

He specifically noted that central narrative areas — like visual art — are not areas where the team is reducing artistic input. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these precise roles.

"We are neither shipping a game with AI-generated content, nor considering cutting creatives to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.