The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Clarifies Its Use of Generative AI for Next Project

The developer behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its upcoming project, generating a wave of hype within the player base. However, subsequent statements from the studio's figurehead have brought nuance to the narrative, focusing on the studio's approach toward machine learning.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a latest message, Larian's director outlined that the team is using machine learning for specific preliminary tasks. These involve enhancing pitch decks, producing initial concept art, and writing temporary copy.

Notably, Vincke emphasized that the shipping assets in the game will be authored entirely by real artists. "We are creating everything in-house," he stated.

Our studio is actively growing our pool of storytellers and are currently forming narrative groups.

Since visual development is being specifically mentioned — we currently have over twenty artistic staff and have job openings for further artists.

Everything we do is additive and aimed at enabling creatives to spend greater focus on making content.

Any AI system implemented properly is a boost to a artist's workflow, never a stand-in for their craft.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The news of AI usage initially sparked backlash among portions of the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke offered more detail on online platforms.

"We use AI tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use the internet and reference books," he stated. "In the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then swap out with original illustrations."

He continued, "Our studio recruits creatives for their creative vision, not for their ability to follow what a machine suggests."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had previously detailed the company's targeted method to AI and ML, grouping its use into primary pillars:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to rapidly prototype simple versions of scenarios to test concepts ahead of complete production.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how machine learning could in the future create new forms of reactivity, especially in simulating player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.

He specifically stated that core creative areas — like music composition — are are absolutely not fields where the studio is cutting artistic involvement. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact roles.

"Larian is neither shipping a game with any AI components, nor planning on trimming down staff to replace them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.