The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Clarifies Its Use of AI Tools for New Divinity Game
The developer behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its upcoming project, generating immense hype within the player base. However, follow-up comments from the company's figurehead have brought clarity to the narrative, touching on the team's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a latest statement, the studio's founder outlined that the team is employing machine learning for specific supporting functions. These involve developing PowerPoint slides, producing rough visual ideas, and writing placeholder dialogue.
Importantly, Vincke made clear that the shipping assets in the game will be authored solely by human writers. "Our team is writing every line ourselves," he stated.
Larian is actively increasing our pool of writers and are busily forming narrative groups.
Given that concept art is being explicitly called out — we currently have over twenty artistic staff and have positions available for further creatives.
Each initiative we do is supplementary and focused on having people spend more time on making content.
Every ML tool implemented properly is supplementary to a developer's routine, not a replacement for their talent.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The news of employing this technology at first generated concern among some the community. In reaction, Vincke issued additional elaboration on public forums.
"Our team utilizes AI tools to research ideas, just like we use Google and physical media," he wrote. "In the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then substitute with hand-crafted concept art."
He noted, "Our studio recruits talent for their unique talent, not for their willingness to follow what a AI generates."
Focused Uses for Machine Learning
Vincke had earlier broken down the team's targeted method to AI and ML, defining its use into primary areas:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like polishing mocap data, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to quickly build rough versions of mechanics to test concepts before complete implementation.
- Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how AI could in the future enhance innovative gameplay, particularly in creating dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.
He explicitly stated that central narrative areas — such as music composition — are are absolutely not departments where the studio is reducing human involvement. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these very roles.
"Our studio is not shipping a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not considering cutting staff to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.
