The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Details Its Application of AI Tools for Upcoming Divinity Game

The developer behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its next major project, creating significant anticipation within the industry. However, recent remarks from the studio's co-founder have added nuance to the conversation, touching on the developer's approach toward AI tools.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a latest statement, Swen Vincke explained that the developer is employing AI technology for certain ancillary purposes. These include enhancing presentation materials, generating rough concept art, and drafting draft text.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the final assets in the game will be created exclusively by actual writers. "We are writing all the content ourselves," he said.

We are actively expanding our roster of concept artists and are actively putting together narrative groups.

Since visual development is being particularly called out — we presently have over twenty artistic staff and have job openings for more creatives.

Everything we do is additive and focused on letting our team spend more time on actual creation.

Any ML tool implemented properly is a boost to a creative team routine, never a stand-in for their skill.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The admission of using AI initially generated unease among a segment of the community. In response, Vincke offered more clarification on public forums.

"At Larian, we employ these tools to gather inspiration, similar to we use search engines and reference books," he explained. "In the conceptual planning process we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then substitute with hand-crafted artwork."

He continued, "We've hired talent for their unique talent, not for their ability to replicate what a machine suggests."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had earlier outlined the studio's practical strategy to AI and ML, categorizing its use into primary pillars:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes refining animations, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to rapidly prototype simple models of gameplay ideas to validate concepts before complete implementation.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how machine learning could one day facilitate innovative player agency, particularly in simulating dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.

He clearly stated that key artistic domains — such as writing — are not fields where the company is cutting human involvement. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these exact roles.

"Larian is not launching a game with machine-made assets, nor looking at trimming down teams to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.