The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Clarifies Its Implementation of Generative AI for Next Divinity
The team behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its upcoming project, sparking immense hype within the player base. However, follow-up statements from the studio's figurehead have brought nuance to the discussion, touching on the team's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.
AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute
In a new message, Larian's director outlined that the developer is employing machine learning for specific preliminary tasks. These include enhancing PowerPoint slides, generating rough visual ideas, and drafting placeholder text.
Crucially, Vincke stressed that the final assets in the game will be created entirely by actual writers. "Our team is writing all the content ourselves," he stated.
Our studio is constantly expanding our roster of writers and are actively putting together narrative groups.
Since this area is being specifically referenced — we currently have twenty-three artistic staff and have positions available for further artists.
All our efforts we do is supplementary and aimed at enabling creatives to spend additional energy on making content.
Every AI system applied correctly is supplementary to a artist's workflow, not a substitute for their skill.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The revelation of employing this technology originally sparked concern among a segment of the player base. In reaction, Vincke offered further elaboration on online platforms.
"Our team utilizes machine learning to research ideas, similar to we use the internet and physical media," he explained. "In the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then replace with original artwork."
He noted, "Larian brings on artists for their creative vision, not for their willingness to follow what a machine suggests."
Three Pillars of Practical Application
Vincke had in the past detailed the studio's targeted method to machine learning, categorizing its use into primary areas:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes refining animations, audio processing, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to speedily create rough mock-ups of scenarios to test concepts before expensive development.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Investigating how machine learning could eventually create new forms of player agency, especially in managing player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.
He specifically affirmed that core creative disciplines — like music composition — are are absolutely not fields where the team is reducing creative involvement. On the contrary, Larian is expanding its staff in these very positions.
"Larian is neither releasing a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not planning on cutting teams to substitute them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.