The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Explains Its Use of Machine Learning for Next Divinity Game
The studio behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its upcoming project, generating significant hype within the gaming community. However, subsequent comments from the company's lead designer have introduced clarity to the discussion, touching on the studio's stance toward AI tools.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a new statement, Larian's director detailed that the developer is employing machine learning for particular preliminary functions. These encompass enhancing presentation materials, creating early-stage concept art, and drafting placeholder dialogue.
Importantly, Vincke stressed that the end content in the game will be created entirely by actual creatives. "Larian is writing every line in-house," he said.
Our studio is continuously growing our roster of writers and are actively forming narrative groups.
As this area is being explicitly called out — we presently have twenty-three visual developers and have positions available for more artists.
Each initiative we do is supplementary and focused on letting our team spend greater focus on the creative process.
Any AI system used well is additive to a artist's process, not a substitute for their talent.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The news of AI usage at first provoked unease among a segment of the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke offered more clarification on public forums.
"Our team utilizes AI tools to explore references, in the same way we use search engines and art books," he explained. "In the conceptual planning process we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then swap out with hand-crafted concept art."
He continued, "We've hired talent for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to replicate what a AI generates."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had previously broken down the company's targeted method to AI and ML, defining its use into key pillars:
- Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like refining animations, audio processing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using tools to rapidly prototype simple models of mechanics to experiment with concepts before complete development.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how machine learning could in the future enhance innovative gameplay, particularly in simulating unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.
He clearly stated that core creative domains — like music composition — are are in no way fields where the company is cutting artistic talent. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these very roles.
"Our studio is not launching a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not planning on trimming down teams to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.
