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

The studio behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently unveiled its upcoming project, generating a wave of excitement within the gaming community. However, follow-up statements from the studio's lead designer have introduced clarity to the conversation, addressing the team's stance toward machine learning.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a recent clarification, Swen Vincke explained that the team is employing generative AI for specific ancillary functions. These encompass developing PowerPoint slides, generating initial concept art, and writing temporary text.

Crucially, Vincke emphasized that the final content in the game will be created solely by actual creatives. "Our team is writing everything manually," he affirmed.

Our studio is continuously expanding our pool of concept artists and are actively forming writing teams.

Since visual development is being specifically called out — we right now have twenty-three visual developers and have roles to fill for further creatives.

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

Every AI system used well is supplementary to a artist's workflow, never a stand-in for their skill.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The revelation of AI usage initially generated unease among portions of the player base. In reply, Vincke provided more detail on online platforms.

"We use AI tools to explore references, in the same way we use the internet and physical media," he wrote. "In the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then replace with hand-crafted artwork."

He continued, "We've hired artists for their creative vision, not for their ability to replicate what a machine suggests."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past detailed the team's targeted strategy to machine learning, categorizing its use into key functions:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses refining animations, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using tools to rapidly prototype simple mock-ups of gameplay ideas to validate concepts before complete development.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how AI could one day facilitate new forms of gameplay, particularly in simulating unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.

He clearly affirmed that core creative areas — including music composition — are are absolutely not fields where the studio is replacing artistic involvement. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these exact positions.

"Larian is not shipping a game with AI-generated content, nor planning on reducing teams to replace them with AI," Vincke summarized.