The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Explains Its Use of AI Tools for Upcoming Divinity Game

The team behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its next major project, creating significant excitement within the industry. However, recent comments from the studio's lead designer have brought clarity to the conversation, focusing on the developer's philosophy toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new message, Swen Vincke outlined that the company is utilizing machine learning for specific preliminary tasks. These encompass enhancing presentation materials, producing early-stage visual ideas, and creating draft copy.

Notably, Vincke emphasized that the end assets in the game will be created entirely by actual artists. "Larian is creating everything ourselves," he said.

Larian is constantly expanding our pool of writers and are actively assembling dedicated writer rooms.

Given that concept art is being particularly referenced — we presently have over twenty concept artists and have roles to fill for additional talent.

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

Every AI system used well is a boost to a creative team routine, not a substitute for their talent.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The revelation of AI usage initially provoked concern among a segment of the player base. In response, Vincke provided further clarification on public forums.

"We use AI tools to research ideas, in the same way we use search engines and physical media," he stated. "During the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then replace with hand-crafted artwork."

He added, "Larian brings on creatives for their unique talent, not for their willingness to replicate what a algorithm proposes."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had previously detailed the studio's focused approach to this technology, categorizing its use into key functions:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like polishing mocap data, voice editing, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to rapidly prototype rough mock-ups of scenarios to experiment with concepts prior to full implementation.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how machine learning could one day create innovative gameplay, specifically in simulating dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.

He clearly noted that key artistic areas — including writing — are are absolutely not areas where the team is cutting human involvement. Conversely, Larian is expanding its staff in these precise positions.

"Our studio is neither launching a game with machine-made assets, nor planning on trimming down creatives to swap them out with AI," Vincke summarized.