The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Explains Its Use of Generative AI for Next Project
The developer behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its new project, generating immense anticipation within the industry. However, follow-up comments from the studio's lead designer have brought a new dimension to the conversation, focusing on the developer's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a new clarification, the studio's founder detailed that the company is employing AI technology for particular ancillary tasks. These encompass fleshing out pitch decks, generating rough visual ideas, and writing placeholder copy.
Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the final material in the game will be created solely by real writers. "Our team is developing every line manually," he said.
Larian is continuously increasing our pool of concept artists and are actively forming dedicated writer rooms.
Given that this area is being particularly mentioned — we right now have twenty-three artistic staff and have roles to fill for more talent.
Each initiative we do is supplementary and focused on letting our team spend greater focus on actual creation.
Any ML tool applied correctly is supplementary to a artist's process, not a replacement for their craft.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The news of AI usage originally provoked unease among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke provided further detail on social media.
"We use AI tools to gather inspiration, just like we use Google and art books," he explained. "During the conceptual planning process we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then replace with authentic illustrations."
He noted, "Larian brings on talent for their creative vision, not for their willingness to execute what a machine suggests."
Focused Uses for Machine Learning
Vincke had earlier broken down the company's practical method to AI and ML, defining its use into three main functions:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to quickly build simple mock-ups of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts prior to complete implementation.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Investigating how AI could in the future enhance innovative reactivity, particularly in simulating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.
He explicitly stated that core creative areas — like visual art — are not fields where the company is replacing artistic input. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these very fields.
"Our studio is neither launching a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not looking at reducing teams to substitute them with AI," Vincke concluded.
