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

The team behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its new project, creating immense excitement within the gaming community. However, follow-up remarks from the studio's co-founder have added nuance to the narrative, focusing on the team's approach toward AI tools.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest clarification, the studio's founder outlined that the developer is utilizing AI technology for particular supporting functions. These encompass developing presentation materials, generating early-stage concept art, and creating draft copy.

Importantly, Vincke stressed that the end content in the game will be authored exclusively by real creatives. "Larian is writing all the content in-house," he stated.

Larian is constantly expanding our roster of storytellers and are busily forming dedicated writer rooms.

Given that concept art is being specifically referenced — we right now have over twenty visual developers and have positions available for additional talent.

All our efforts we do is additive and aimed at letting our team spend greater focus on actual creation.

Every ML tool implemented properly is supplementary to a developer's routine, not a substitute for their talent.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The admission of employing this technology originally sparked backlash among some the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke issued further elaboration on social media.

"Our team utilizes AI tools to explore references, just like we use the internet and reference books," he explained. "During the initial planning process we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then swap out with original illustrations."

He noted, "Larian brings on creatives for their inherent skill, not for their ability to execute what a algorithm proposes."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had earlier outlined the company's targeted strategy to AI and ML, categorizing its use into three main areas:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like refining animations, audio processing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to quickly build basic models of gameplay ideas to test concepts before complete implementation.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how machine learning could one day facilitate innovative player agency, particularly in simulating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.

He clearly stated that central narrative areas — like writing — are not departments where the company is reducing human input. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these very fields.

"Our studio is not shipping a game with any AI components, nor planning on reducing staff to swap them out with AI," Vincke concluded.