The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Explains Its Application of AI Tools for New Divinity
The developer behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its next major project, generating significant hype within the gaming community. However, subsequent statements from the company's lead designer have brought clarity to the conversation, addressing the developer's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a new statement, Swen Vincke explained that the developer is employing AI technology for particular ancillary functions. These encompass enhancing PowerPoint slides, creating rough artistic references, and writing draft text.
Crucially, Vincke emphasized that the shipping content in the game will be created solely by human creatives. "Our team is creating everything ourselves," he affirmed.
We are constantly increasing our roster of storytellers and are busily assembling narrative groups.
Since visual development is being specifically mentioned — we currently have twenty-three concept artists and have job openings for more talent.
Each initiative we do is incremental and designed to having people spend additional energy on the creative process.
Any machine learning application applied correctly is supplementary to a artist's routine, not a substitute for their craft.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The revelation of AI usage originally generated backlash among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke provided additional clarification on public forums.
"At Larian, we employ machine learning to explore references, similar to we use the internet and reference books," he wrote. "During the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then swap out with hand-crafted illustrations."
He noted, "Our studio recruits talent for their unique talent, not for their ability to follow what a algorithm proposes."
Focused Uses for Machine Learning
Vincke had earlier outlined the team's practical strategy to AI and ML, categorizing its use into primary functions:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes polishing mocap data, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using systems to rapidly prototype basic versions of scenarios to experiment with concepts before full development.
- Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how AI could one day facilitate emergent gameplay, specifically in simulating unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world.
He specifically stated that central narrative domains — like writing — are are in no way fields where the studio is replacing creative input. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these exact positions.
"Larian is neither shipping a game with any AI components, nor looking at cutting creatives to replace them with AI," Vincke summarized.