The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Details Its Use of AI Tools for Next Divinity Game
The studio behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its next major project, creating a wave of anticipation within the gaming community. However, recent remarks from the studio's co-founder have introduced nuance to the conversation, focusing on the developer's stance toward machine learning.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a new clarification, Larian's director explained that the team is utilizing AI technology for specific ancillary functions. These encompass developing PowerPoint slides, generating initial artistic references, and creating draft text.
Crucially, Vincke emphasized that the end assets in the game will be created solely by human writers. "Our team is creating all the content in-house," he affirmed.
Larian is constantly expanding our pool of storytellers and are actively assembling narrative groups.
As this area is being specifically mentioned — we presently have twenty-three artistic staff and have positions available for more talent.
All our efforts we do is additive and designed to letting our team spend greater focus on actual creation.
Every AI system applied correctly is additive to a creative team workflow, never a stand-in for their craft.
Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent
The news of AI usage at first sparked unease among some the community. In reaction, Vincke offered more detail on public forums.
"We use AI tools to gather inspiration, just like we use Google and art books," he wrote. "During the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then swap out with authentic artwork."
He added, "Larian brings on talent for their inherent skill, not for their ability to execute what a machine suggests."
Focused Uses for Machine Learning
Vincke had earlier detailed the studio's focused method to this technology, defining its use into three main functions:
- Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes polishing mocap data, audio processing, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
- Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to quickly build simple versions of gameplay ideas to test concepts ahead of complete development.
- Experimental Frontiers: Exploring how AI could one day enhance new forms of reactivity, especially in managing player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.
He specifically stated that core creative disciplines — such as music composition — are not areas where the team is replacing artistic involvement. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these very roles.
"Our studio is not launching a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not considering cutting teams to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.
