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

The studio behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently unveiled its new project, creating significant excitement within the gaming community. However, follow-up statements from the company's figurehead have brought a new dimension to the discussion, addressing the studio's philosophy toward machine learning.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a new statement, Larian's director explained that the company is using machine learning for particular ancillary purposes. These encompass enhancing PowerPoint slides, creating initial concept art, and drafting draft copy.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the end assets in the game will be crafted entirely by actual creatives. "Our team is creating all the content ourselves," he affirmed.

Larian is constantly expanding our pool of writers and are actively forming writing teams.

As this area is being particularly called out — we currently have 23 artistic staff and have job openings for additional artists.

All our efforts we do is additive and designed to enabling creatives to spend more time on the creative process.

Any ML tool used well is additive to a creative team process, not a replacement for their skill.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The revelation of using AI at first provoked concern among some the fanbase. In response, Vincke offered further clarification on online platforms.

"Our team utilizes these tools to research ideas, similar to we use search engines and physical media," he explained. "In the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then substitute with authentic illustrations."

He continued, "We've hired creatives for their unique talent, not for their willingness to replicate what a machine suggests."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had earlier outlined the team's focused approach to machine learning, categorizing its use into key functions:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to quickly build simple versions of mechanics to test concepts before complete implementation.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Investigating how machine learning could eventually create new forms of gameplay, especially in creating unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.

He clearly noted that core creative disciplines — including music composition — are are absolutely not fields where the team is reducing human input. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these very fields.

"We are not launching a game with AI-generated content, nor planning on reducing creatives to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.