The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Clarifies Its Use of Generative AI for Next Divinity Game
The developer behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its new project, generating significant excitement within the industry. However, follow-up comments from the studio's figurehead have introduced a new dimension to the discussion, touching on the developer's philosophy toward generative artificial intelligence.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a new clarification, Swen Vincke outlined that the developer is utilizing machine learning for particular preliminary functions. These include fleshing out pitch decks, producing rough visual ideas, and creating temporary copy.
Importantly, Vincke stressed that the shipping content in the game will be authored solely by human artists. "We are developing every line ourselves," he stated.
We are continuously increasing our team of storytellers and are busily forming writing teams.
Given that concept art is being specifically called out — we presently have over twenty visual developers and have job openings for further creatives.
All our efforts we do is incremental and focused on enabling creatives to spend greater focus on the creative process.
Any ML tool applied correctly is a boost to a developer's routine, not a replacement for their craft.
Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent
The admission of AI usage originally provoked unease among a segment of the community. In reply, Vincke offered further clarification on public forums.
"We use machine learning to gather inspiration, in the same way we use the internet and physical media," he stated. "During the initial ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then swap out with hand-crafted artwork."
He added, "Our studio recruits talent for their unique talent, not for their capacity to replicate what a AI generates."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had in the past outlined the team's targeted strategy to machine learning, defining its use into key functions:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
- Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to quickly build basic mock-ups of scenarios to experiment with concepts ahead of expensive development.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how AI could one day facilitate new forms of player agency, particularly in creating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.
He explicitly affirmed that central narrative areas — including visual art — are are in no way fields where the studio is replacing artistic input. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these very roles.
"Larian is not launching a game with AI-generated content, nor looking at cutting teams to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.
