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

The team behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its next major project, sparking significant excitement within the player base. However, subsequent remarks from the company's co-founder have introduced nuance to the conversation, addressing the team's philosophy toward machine learning.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a new statement, Larian's director outlined that the team is employing machine learning for certain ancillary tasks. These involve developing PowerPoint slides, creating early-stage visual ideas, and writing draft copy.

Crucially, Vincke emphasized that the end material in the game will be authored exclusively by human creatives. "Larian is developing all the content ourselves," he said.

We are continuously growing our pool of writers and are actively putting together dedicated writer rooms.

Given that this area is being explicitly mentioned — we presently have 23 visual developers and have job openings for further creatives.

All our efforts we do is incremental and aimed at letting our team spend additional energy on making content.

Every AI system used well is supplementary to a artist's routine, not a replacement for their craft.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The news of AI usage initially provoked unease among a segment of the community. In reply, Vincke provided additional detail on online platforms.

"Our team utilizes these tools to research ideas, just like we use the internet and reference books," he wrote. "In the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then substitute with original concept art."

He added, "Larian brings on talent for their inherent skill, not for their ability to follow what a machine suggests."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had previously detailed the company's targeted approach to AI and ML, grouping its use into primary areas:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to rapidly prototype basic models of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts ahead of full implementation.
• Experimental Frontiers: Exploring how machine learning could in the future create new forms of gameplay, particularly in managing dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.

He specifically stated that central narrative disciplines — like visual art — are not areas where the company is reducing human talent. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these very roles.

"We are neither releasing a game with machine-made assets, nor looking at reducing staff to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.