The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Details Its Implementation of Generative AI for Next Divinity Game

The team behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its next major project, creating significant excitement within the industry. However, follow-up comments from the company's co-founder have brought nuance to the conversation, touching on the studio's philosophy toward generative artificial intelligence.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a latest statement, Larian's director outlined that the company is employing machine learning for particular ancillary purposes. These include enhancing pitch decks, creating early-stage concept art, and writing temporary text.

Notably, Vincke made clear that the final material in the game will be crafted entirely by actual creatives. "We are developing everything in-house," he affirmed.

Our studio is continuously increasing our team of storytellers and are busily forming writing teams.

Since concept art is being particularly mentioned — we currently have twenty-three concept artists and have roles to fill for additional talent.

All our efforts we do is supplementary and focused on letting our team spend greater focus on making content.

Any ML tool used well is additive to a developer's workflow, never a stand-in for their skill.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The news of employing this technology originally provoked concern among some the fanbase. In response, Vincke offered additional clarification on public forums.

"We use AI tools to research ideas, similar to we use Google and reference books," he explained. "In the very early planning process we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then replace with hand-crafted illustrations."

He noted, "Larian brings on creatives for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to replicate what a machine suggests."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had previously outlined the studio's focused approach to AI and ML, categorizing its use into primary functions:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes polishing mocap data, audio processing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to speedily create rough mock-ups of scenarios to test concepts before complete implementation.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how machine learning could in the future enhance new forms of reactivity, specifically in simulating dynamic reactions in a complex RPG.

He explicitly noted that key artistic areas — such as writing — are are absolutely not departments where the studio is cutting artistic involvement. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these very roles.

"Larian is neither shipping a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not planning on reducing creatives to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.