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

The developer behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its next major project, sparking a wave of hype within the gaming community. However, recent comments from the studio's co-founder have brought a new dimension to the discussion, touching on the team's philosophy toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new statement, the studio's founder outlined that the developer is utilizing machine learning for particular ancillary tasks. These encompass developing PowerPoint slides, producing early-stage artistic references, and drafting temporary text.

Importantly, Vincke stressed that the end assets in the game will be crafted solely by real writers. "Larian is writing every line in-house," he affirmed.

Our studio is continuously growing our roster of writers and are actively forming dedicated writer rooms.

Since concept art is being explicitly mentioned — we presently have over twenty artistic staff and have positions available for additional creatives.

All our efforts we do is incremental and focused on letting our team spend more time on making content.

Any ML tool used well is a boost to a artist's routine, not a substitute for their skill.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The news of using AI initially generated concern among a segment of the fanbase. In response, Vincke offered more elaboration on social media.

"Our team utilizes AI tools to gather inspiration, similar to we use Google and art books," he wrote. "During the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then substitute with original concept art."

He added, "We've hired talent for their creative vision, not for their willingness to follow what a machine suggests."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had in the past broken down the team's practical method to this technology, categorizing its use into primary functions:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to speedily create basic versions of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts before expensive production.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how machine learning could eventually facilitate emergent player agency, particularly in simulating player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.

He explicitly noted that core creative areas — such as visual art — are not departments where the studio is cutting human input. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these very roles.

"We are not launching a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not considering cutting staff to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.