The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Explains Its Application of Generative AI for Next Divinity

The developer behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its new project, creating immense anticipation within the player base. However, subsequent comments from the studio's lead designer have introduced clarity to the narrative, addressing the team's approach toward machine learning.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new message, the studio's founder detailed that the company is utilizing AI technology for certain supporting tasks. These include enhancing pitch decks, creating rough concept art, and writing draft copy.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the shipping material in the game will be authored entirely by actual writers. "Larian is developing all the content ourselves," he affirmed.

Larian is constantly expanding our pool of concept artists and are actively assembling dedicated writer rooms.

Given that visual development is being specifically referenced — we presently have 23 visual developers and have job openings for additional talent.

Each initiative we do is incremental and designed to having people spend more time on making content.

Every machine learning application used well is additive to a creative team workflow, never a stand-in for their skill.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The admission of employing this technology initially provoked concern among portions of the community. In reaction, Vincke provided more elaboration on social media.

"Our team utilizes machine learning to research ideas, similar to we use search engines and art books," he explained. "During the very early planning process we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then replace with authentic concept art."

He added, "We've hired artists for their creative vision, not for their willingness to replicate what a algorithm proposes."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had in the past outlined the team's practical approach to machine learning, grouping its use into key functions:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to speedily create rough versions of mechanics to validate concepts ahead of complete development.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how AI could in the future enhance innovative gameplay, specifically in managing dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.

He specifically noted that central narrative domains — such as visual art — are are in no way fields where the studio is cutting artistic input. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these precise roles.

"Larian is not releasing a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not planning on reducing creatives to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.