The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Details Its Application of Machine Learning for Next Divinity
The developer behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its next major project, generating a wave of hype within the industry. However, subsequent remarks from the company's lead designer have added clarity to the conversation, addressing the team's philosophy toward machine learning.
AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute
In a new message, the studio's founder explained that the developer is utilizing machine learning for certain ancillary tasks. These include fleshing out PowerPoint slides, generating rough visual ideas, and creating temporary copy.
Notably, Vincke emphasized that the end content in the game will be created solely by human artists. "Our team is writing all the content manually," he said.
Larian is constantly growing our roster of writers and are busily assembling writing teams.
Since visual development is being specifically mentioned — we right now have twenty-three concept artists and have positions available for additional creatives.
Everything we do is additive and focused on having people spend additional energy on actual creation.
Any AI system applied correctly is a boost to a developer's routine, not a replacement for their craft.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The admission of AI usage originally generated concern among a segment of the player base. In response, Vincke offered more detail on public forums.
"At Larian, we employ these tools to gather inspiration, similar to we use search engines and reference books," he wrote. "During the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then swap out with authentic artwork."
He continued, "Our studio recruits artists for their unique talent, not for their capacity to follow what a AI generates."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had previously outlined the company's targeted strategy to this technology, defining its use into key functions:
- Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to speedily create simple models of scenarios to test concepts ahead of full development.
- Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how AI could one day enhance innovative player agency, particularly in simulating player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.
He specifically affirmed that key artistic domains — including visual art — are are absolutely not areas where the company is cutting human input. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these very fields.
"Larian is neither launching a game with any AI components, nor looking at cutting creatives to replace them with AI," Vincke concluded.