The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Details Its Use of AI Tools for Next Divinity Game

The studio behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its new project, sparking significant hype within the industry. However, subsequent remarks from the company's figurehead have brought clarity to the conversation, addressing the team's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a recent clarification, the studio's founder detailed that the company is employing AI technology for certain ancillary purposes. These encompass developing presentation materials, producing rough concept art, and writing temporary text.

Notably, Vincke emphasized that the shipping material in the game will be crafted entirely by actual artists. "Our team is developing all the content manually," he affirmed.

We are constantly growing our roster of storytellers and are currently putting together dedicated writer rooms.

As this area is being explicitly called out — we presently have twenty-three artistic staff and have roles to fill for more talent.

Each initiative we do is additive and designed to letting our team spend greater focus on the creative process.

Every AI system applied correctly is supplementary to a artist's workflow, not a substitute for their talent.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The revelation of using AI originally provoked backlash among some the community. In reply, Vincke issued further clarification on social media.

"At Larian, we employ these tools to explore references, just like we use Google and art books," he stated. "During the initial ideation stages 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 inherent skill, not for their ability to replicate what a AI generates."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past outlined the team's focused method to this technology, categorizing its use into key pillars:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to rapidly prototype simple mock-ups of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts prior to full development.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how AI could one day facilitate innovative reactivity, especially in simulating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.

He clearly noted that key artistic disciplines — like music composition — are not areas where the team is cutting artistic talent. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these exact fields.

"Our studio is neither launching a game with AI-generated content, nor considering reducing teams to swap them out with AI," Vincke summarized.