The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Details Its Application of Generative AI for Upcoming Project

The developer behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its upcoming project, sparking immense anticipation within the gaming community. However, recent comments from the company's figurehead have introduced a new dimension to the discussion, addressing the studio's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest message, Swen Vincke explained that the team is utilizing AI technology for certain preliminary purposes. These include fleshing out presentation materials, generating initial concept art, and writing draft dialogue.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the shipping material in the game will be created exclusively by real creatives. "We are creating every line manually," he affirmed.

Our studio is continuously expanding our team of storytellers and are busily forming narrative groups.

Since concept art is being particularly called out — we currently have 23 visual developers and have positions available for additional talent.

All our efforts we do is incremental and designed to having people spend additional energy on actual creation.

Any ML tool implemented properly is supplementary to a developer's process, not a substitute for their craft.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The news of employing this technology originally sparked backlash among a segment of the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke provided more clarification on public forums.

"At Larian, we employ AI tools to research ideas, just like we use search engines and physical media," he stated. "During the very early ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then replace with hand-crafted illustrations."

He continued, "Larian brings on talent for their unique talent, not for their willingness to execute what a algorithm proposes."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had previously broken down the studio's practical strategy to this technology, grouping its use into primary functions:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses refining animations, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to quickly build basic versions of gameplay ideas to test concepts prior to expensive implementation.
• Experimental Frontiers: Exploring how AI could in the future facilitate new forms of player agency, specifically in managing dynamic reactions in a complex RPG.

He specifically affirmed that central narrative disciplines — including visual art — are not departments where the team is cutting artistic involvement. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these very positions.

"Larian is not releasing a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not looking at reducing creatives to swap them out with AI," Vincke stated definitively.