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

The team behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently unveiled its new project, creating immense hype within the industry. However, recent remarks from the company's co-founder have added clarity to the discussion, focusing on the team's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a new message, the studio's founder outlined that the company is using AI technology for specific ancillary tasks. These include developing presentation materials, creating early-stage concept art, and writing temporary text.

Crucially, Vincke made clear that the final material in the game will be crafted entirely by actual artists. "Our team is developing everything ourselves," he said.

We are continuously growing our roster of writers and are busily assembling narrative groups.

As this area is being specifically referenced — we presently have over twenty concept artists and have positions available for further talent.

All our efforts we do is incremental and designed to having people spend additional energy on the creative process.

Any machine learning application implemented properly is additive to a artist's routine, not a substitute for their craft.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The news of AI usage initially provoked backlash among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke offered more detail on public forums.

"At Larian, we employ machine learning to research ideas, in the same way we use Google and art books," he stated. "In the conceptual planning process we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then replace with hand-crafted concept art."

He added, "Our studio recruits talent for their creative vision, not for their ability to execute what a AI generates."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

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

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses polishing mocap data, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to speedily create rough versions of scenarios to experiment with concepts ahead of full development.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how AI could one day facilitate innovative gameplay, especially in simulating unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world.

He explicitly noted that central narrative domains — like music composition — are not areas where the studio is replacing human input. On the contrary, Larian is expanding its staff in these precise roles.

"We are neither releasing a game with machine-made assets, nor looking at reducing creatives to substitute them with AI," Vincke summarized.