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

The studio behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its upcoming project, creating a wave of excitement within the player base. However, follow-up statements from the company's figurehead have added nuance to the conversation, addressing the developer's stance toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new clarification, the studio's founder explained that the developer is employing machine learning for specific supporting purposes. These include enhancing pitch decks, creating early-stage artistic references, and drafting placeholder copy.

Importantly, Vincke stressed that the final content in the game will be created exclusively by real creatives. "We are writing every line ourselves," he stated.

Our studio is actively increasing our team of writers and are actively assembling narrative groups.

As visual development is being explicitly referenced — we currently have 23 visual developers and have positions available for more talent.

All our efforts we do is supplementary and focused on having people spend greater focus on the creative process.

Any machine learning application applied correctly is a boost to a developer's routine, not a replacement for their craft.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The news of employing this technology originally provoked concern among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke issued further clarification on online platforms.

"Our team utilizes machine learning to explore references, similar to we use search engines and reference books," he stated. "In the very early planning process we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then substitute with original artwork."

He added, "Larian brings on creatives for their creative vision, not for their willingness to replicate what a machine suggests."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past detailed the team's practical method to AI and ML, grouping its use into three main areas:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like refining animations, audio processing, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to rapidly prototype simple models of gameplay ideas to validate concepts before expensive development.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how machine learning could in the future create innovative reactivity, specifically in creating unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.

He clearly noted that central narrative areas — such as music composition — are are in no way fields where the studio 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 looking at trimming down teams to replace them with AI," Vincke summarized.