The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Explains Its Application of Generative AI for New Divinity Game
The developer behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its new project, creating immense anticipation within the industry. However, follow-up remarks from the company's lead designer have introduced clarity to the narrative, focusing on the team's stance toward AI tools.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a new message, Larian's director outlined that the team is using AI technology for certain preliminary purposes. These involve fleshing out PowerPoint slides, producing initial concept art, and creating draft dialogue.
Notably, Vincke made clear that the final material in the game will be crafted exclusively by real writers. "Our team is developing every line in-house," he stated.
Larian is actively increasing our pool of storytellers and are busily putting together dedicated writer rooms.
Given that visual development is being particularly referenced — we presently have 23 artistic staff and have roles to fill for additional creatives.
Each initiative we do is supplementary and focused on having people spend additional energy on the creative process.
Any AI system implemented properly is additive to a creative team process, not a replacement for their skill.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The revelation of using AI originally provoked concern among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke issued additional elaboration on social media.
"We use these tools to gather inspiration, similar to we use Google and physical media," he stated. "In the initial planning process we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then replace with hand-crafted concept art."
He added, "Our studio recruits artists for their unique talent, not for their willingness to execute what a AI generates."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had in the past detailed the company's targeted method to machine learning, defining its use into key pillars:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to speedily create simple mock-ups of scenarios to test concepts before complete development.
- Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how AI could eventually facilitate innovative player agency, especially in simulating dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.
He clearly affirmed that key artistic areas — including music composition — are not fields where the studio is reducing artistic input. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these very roles.
"Larian is neither launching a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not planning on cutting teams to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.
