The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Details Its Application of AI Tools for Next Divinity Game
The studio behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its upcoming project, creating immense anticipation within the player base. However, subsequent statements from the studio's co-founder have introduced nuance to the discussion, touching on the team's philosophy toward AI tools.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a recent clarification, Larian's director outlined that the company is utilizing AI technology for specific supporting tasks. These involve fleshing out PowerPoint slides, creating initial concept art, and drafting temporary copy.
Importantly, Vincke made clear that the final content in the game will be authored entirely by human creatives. "Larian is writing everything manually," he stated.
Our studio is continuously increasing our team of concept artists and are currently putting together dedicated writer rooms.
As concept art is being particularly mentioned — we right now have 23 concept artists and have positions available for further artists.
Each initiative we do is additive and aimed at enabling creatives to spend greater focus on actual creation.
Every AI system applied correctly is supplementary to a developer's workflow, not a substitute for their talent.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The revelation of using AI initially generated backlash among a segment of the fanbase. In reply, Vincke provided additional clarification on social media.
"We use AI tools to explore references, just like we use Google and art books," he stated. "During the initial planning process we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then replace with hand-crafted concept art."
He added, "We've hired talent for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to replicate what a machine suggests."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had earlier detailed the company's targeted approach to this technology, grouping its use into key functions:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to rapidly prototype simple models of scenarios to experiment with concepts ahead of complete production.
- Experimental Frontiers: Researching how machine learning could one day enhance new forms of gameplay, particularly in managing unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world.
He specifically affirmed that key artistic disciplines — including music composition — are are in no way departments where the studio is reducing artistic talent. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these precise fields.
"Larian is not launching a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not looking at reducing teams to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.
