The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Details Its Application of AI Tools for New Divinity

The studio behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its next major project, generating immense hype within the industry. However, follow-up statements from the studio's figurehead have brought clarity to the discussion, addressing the studio's stance toward machine learning.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest message, Larian's director detailed that the developer is employing generative AI for certain supporting tasks. These include enhancing presentation materials, producing initial concept art, and writing temporary copy.

Notably, Vincke stressed that the final content in the game will be authored entirely by real writers. "We are developing all the content in-house," he said.

Larian is actively increasing our team of writers and are currently forming narrative groups.

Since visual development is being particularly mentioned — we presently have twenty-three visual developers and have roles to fill for more talent.

Everything we do is additive and focused on letting our team spend more time on actual creation.

Any AI system used well is supplementary to a artist's process, never a stand-in for their skill.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The revelation of AI usage initially provoked concern among some the player base. In reply, Vincke offered further clarification on public forums.

"We use these tools to research ideas, just like we use search engines and reference books," he wrote. "During the very early planning process we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then substitute with hand-crafted illustrations."

He added, "Our studio recruits creatives for their creative vision, not for their ability to follow what a machine suggests."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had in the past broken down the company's practical method to this technology, grouping its use into three main areas:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create rough versions of mechanics to validate concepts ahead of expensive development.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how AI could one day enhance innovative gameplay, especially in simulating unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.

He explicitly stated that core creative domains — like music composition — are not areas where the company is cutting human involvement. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact roles.

"Our studio is neither launching a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not considering trimming down teams to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.