The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Details Its Application of Generative AI for Next Divinity

The team behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its new project, creating a wave of anticipation within the player base. However, recent statements from the company's co-founder have introduced a new dimension to the conversation, focusing on the team's stance toward machine learning.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a recent message, the studio's founder explained that the developer is employing machine learning for particular supporting purposes. These include enhancing presentation materials, producing initial concept art, and writing placeholder text.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the shipping assets in the game will be crafted solely by actual writers. "Larian is writing all the content in-house," he affirmed.

Our studio is constantly increasing our team of writers and are actively forming writing teams.

Given that concept art is being particularly called out — we presently have over twenty concept artists and have roles to fill for further talent.

Everything we do is additive and focused on letting our team spend greater focus on actual creation.

Any AI system implemented properly is supplementary to a developer's routine, never a stand-in for their skill.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The news of AI usage originally generated backlash among some the community. In reaction, Vincke offered more clarification on online platforms.

"We use AI tools to explore references, just like we use the internet and art books," he stated. "During the very early planning process we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then swap out with authentic artwork."

He added, "Larian brings on creatives for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to follow what a algorithm proposes."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had in the past broken down the company's focused approach to AI and ML, defining its use into key areas:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to quickly build basic models of mechanics to test concepts before full implementation.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how AI could eventually enhance emergent reactivity, specifically in managing unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world.

He explicitly affirmed that central narrative areas — including writing — are are absolutely not departments where the studio is reducing human input. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these exact fields.

"Larian is neither launching a game with machine-made assets, nor planning on reducing creatives to substitute them with AI," Vincke concluded.