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

The team behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently unveiled its new project, generating immense anticipation within the industry. However, follow-up statements from the company's figurehead have brought a new dimension to the narrative, touching on the developer's approach toward machine learning.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a recent statement, the studio's founder explained that the developer is employing generative AI for particular ancillary purposes. These encompass fleshing out pitch decks, generating initial concept art, and drafting draft copy.

Notably, Vincke made clear that the end material in the game will be crafted entirely by actual creatives. "Larian is developing all the content in-house," he said.

Our studio is continuously expanding our team of writers and are actively putting together narrative groups.

As concept art is being explicitly mentioned — we currently have 23 artistic staff and have positions available for additional artists.

Each initiative we do is supplementary and aimed at letting our team spend additional energy on making content.

Every machine learning application used well is supplementary to a developer's process, not a substitute for their talent.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of employing this technology at first provoked backlash among a segment of the player base. In response, Vincke issued additional clarification on social media.

"We use AI tools to research ideas, just like we use Google and art books," he wrote. "During the conceptual planning process we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then substitute with authentic concept art."

He added, "Our studio recruits creatives for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to execute what a AI generates."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had previously detailed the studio's practical strategy to this technology, grouping its use into primary pillars:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using tools to quickly build basic models of mechanics to validate concepts ahead of full implementation.
• Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how AI could in the future facilitate emergent player agency, particularly in managing player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.

He specifically stated that key artistic domains — like visual art — are are absolutely not departments where the studio is cutting creative involvement. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these very fields.

"Our studio is not launching a game with AI-generated content, nor looking at reducing teams to replace them with AI," Vincke concluded.