The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Clarifies Its Implementation of Machine Learning for Upcoming Divinity Game

The studio behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its new project, sparking a wave of hype within the gaming community. However, recent remarks from the studio's co-founder have added a new dimension to the discussion, touching on the developer's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest message, Larian's director explained that the company is utilizing AI technology for certain supporting tasks. These include fleshing out presentation materials, producing rough visual ideas, and writing draft dialogue.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the shipping assets in the game will be created entirely by actual artists. "Larian is creating every line ourselves," he said.

We are actively increasing our team of concept artists and are busily forming writing teams.

As this area is being specifically called out — we right now have over twenty visual developers and have roles to fill for further talent.

Each initiative we do is additive and focused on enabling creatives to spend additional energy on the creative process.

Any ML tool implemented properly is additive to a artist's workflow, never a stand-in for their skill.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The news of employing this technology initially provoked concern among a segment of the community. In response, Vincke offered additional detail on social media.

"At Larian, we employ machine learning to explore references, in the same way we use Google and physical media," he explained. "In the very early planning process we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then swap out with original concept art."

He added, "Larian brings on talent for their creative vision, not for their capacity to replicate what a machine suggests."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had in the past detailed the team's practical approach to this technology, categorizing its use into three main areas:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses polishing mocap data, voice editing, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using systems to rapidly prototype rough versions of gameplay ideas to validate concepts ahead of full development.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Investigating how machine learning could in the future create innovative player agency, especially in simulating unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.

He explicitly affirmed that core creative domains — like writing — are are in no way areas where the studio is replacing creative input. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these precise fields.

"We are not launching a game with any AI components, nor looking at trimming down teams to replace them with AI," Vincke summarized.