The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Clarifies Its Implementation of Machine Learning for Upcoming Divinity Game

The team behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its next major project, generating a wave of hype within the gaming community. However, follow-up statements from the company's co-founder have brought a new dimension to the discussion, focusing on the developer's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new statement, the studio's founder outlined that the company is utilizing AI technology for particular preliminary functions. These encompass fleshing out presentation materials, producing early-stage visual ideas, and creating draft text.

Importantly, Vincke stressed that the shipping material in the game will be created solely by actual artists. "Larian is writing every line ourselves," he stated.

Our studio is constantly increasing our pool of storytellers and are currently forming writing teams.

Given that visual development is being explicitly referenced — we presently have twenty-three visual developers and have roles to fill for additional artists.

Each initiative we do is additive and focused on having people spend additional energy on making content.

Every machine learning application implemented properly is supplementary to a developer's process, not a substitute for their skill.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of AI usage at first generated concern among a segment of the fanbase. In reply, Vincke provided more elaboration on public forums.

"At Larian, we employ machine learning to research ideas, just like we use search engines and art books," he stated. "In the very early ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then replace with original illustrations."

He noted, "Larian brings on artists for their creative vision, not for their willingness to execute what a AI generates."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had previously outlined the team's practical approach to machine learning, categorizing its use into key functions:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like polishing mocap data, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to rapidly prototype basic models of mechanics to validate concepts before expensive production.
• Experimental Frontiers: Exploring how machine learning could eventually facilitate innovative reactivity, particularly in managing player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.

He specifically noted that core creative disciplines — such as writing — are are absolutely not departments where the studio is reducing human talent. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these very fields.

"Larian is neither shipping a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not looking at cutting creatives to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.