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

The team behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its upcoming project, creating a wave of anticipation within the player base. However, recent comments from the company's co-founder have brought nuance to the narrative, focusing on the studio's approach toward machine learning.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a recent clarification, Swen Vincke detailed that the company is using generative AI for certain preliminary purposes. These encompass developing presentation materials, generating initial concept art, and creating placeholder copy.

Notably, Vincke made clear that the shipping material in the game will be authored solely by human artists. "Our team is creating all the content in-house," he stated.

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

Given that this area is being particularly referenced — we currently have twenty-three artistic staff and have positions available for further talent.

Each initiative we do is additive and designed to enabling creatives to spend greater focus on actual creation.

Any machine learning application implemented properly is supplementary to a creative team process, never a stand-in for their craft.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The revelation of using AI originally provoked backlash among some the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke provided additional detail on online platforms.

"We use these tools to gather inspiration, just like we use search engines and reference books," he wrote. "During the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then replace with hand-crafted illustrations."

He added, "Our studio recruits artists for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to execute what a AI generates."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had earlier outlined the studio's focused strategy to AI and ML, defining its use into key functions:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes refining animations, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using systems to rapidly prototype basic versions of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts before expensive implementation.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how machine learning could in the future facilitate new forms of gameplay, especially in simulating dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.

He clearly stated that core creative domains — such as writing — are are in no way fields where the team is cutting creative talent. On the contrary, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact positions.

"Our studio is not launching a game with any AI components, nor considering trimming down teams to swap them out with AI," Vincke stated definitively.