The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Clarifies Its Implementation of Machine Learning for Upcoming Divinity Game
The developer behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its next major project, sparking significant anticipation within the industry. However, subsequent statements from the company's co-founder have brought a new dimension to the narrative, touching on the studio's stance toward AI tools.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a recent clarification, the studio's founder explained that the team is utilizing generative AI for particular ancillary functions. These include fleshing out pitch decks, creating early-stage concept art, and writing placeholder dialogue.
Notably, Vincke made clear that the end assets in the game will be crafted entirely by actual artists. "We are creating every line ourselves," he said.
Larian is continuously expanding our team of storytellers and are actively forming narrative groups.
Since concept art is being explicitly mentioned — we currently have over twenty visual developers and have roles to fill for further creatives.
Each initiative we do is supplementary and designed to having people spend greater focus on making content.
Every machine learning application used well is a boost to a developer's workflow, never a stand-in for their craft.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The revelation of employing this technology initially generated unease among a segment of the fanbase. In response, Vincke issued additional elaboration on online platforms.
"Our team utilizes AI tools to research ideas, in the same way we use search engines and physical media," he stated. "During the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then substitute with hand-crafted concept art."
He added, "Our studio recruits artists for their creative vision, not for their ability to execute what a machine suggests."
Focused Uses for Machine Learning
Vincke had previously outlined the studio's focused approach to AI and ML, defining its use into primary pillars:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to rapidly prototype simple mock-ups of scenarios to experiment with concepts ahead of full development.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Investigating how machine learning could eventually create emergent player agency, especially in simulating dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.
He explicitly stated that central narrative areas — such as writing — are are in no way areas where the studio is cutting artistic input. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these very roles.
"Larian is neither shipping a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not planning on trimming down teams to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.
