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

The studio behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its next major project, sparking a wave of hype within the gaming community. However, subsequent statements from the studio's lead designer have added clarity to the narrative, focusing on the developer's philosophy toward machine learning.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a recent clarification, the studio's founder outlined that the team is utilizing generative AI for particular ancillary tasks. These encompass fleshing out pitch decks, generating rough visual ideas, and creating placeholder text.

Crucially, Vincke stressed that the end assets in the game will be created solely by actual artists. "Larian is developing everything manually," he stated.

We are actively expanding our pool of writers and are actively putting together dedicated writer rooms.

Since visual development is being explicitly called out — we currently have over twenty artistic staff and have job openings for more artists.

All our efforts we do is supplementary and aimed at letting our team spend more time on making content.

Any machine learning application applied correctly is a boost to a creative team process, not a substitute for their craft.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of employing this technology initially provoked concern among some the fanbase. In response, Vincke offered more clarification on public forums.

"At Larian, we employ these tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use the internet and physical media," he wrote. "During the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then swap out with original illustrations."

He continued, "Our studio recruits creatives for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to follow what a algorithm proposes."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had earlier detailed the team's targeted approach to machine learning, defining its use into three main areas:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adjusting assets for various species.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to rapidly prototype rough mock-ups of mechanics to experiment with concepts ahead of complete implementation.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how machine learning could one day create innovative gameplay, specifically in simulating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.

He explicitly stated that central narrative areas — such as writing — are not departments where the company is replacing artistic input. On the contrary, Larian is expanding its staff in these precise positions.

"Larian is not shipping a game with AI-generated content, nor considering trimming down staff to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.