The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Explains Its Implementation of Machine Learning for Next Divinity

The developer behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its next major project, generating a wave of hype within the gaming community. However, subsequent comments from the company's co-founder have introduced clarity to the conversation, focusing on the studio's approach toward machine learning.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a latest clarification, Larian's director explained that the company is using generative AI for certain ancillary purposes. These include enhancing PowerPoint slides, creating early-stage concept art, and creating draft text.

Crucially, Vincke emphasized that the shipping assets in the game will be authored exclusively by real artists. "Our team is writing every line in-house," he stated.

Our studio is constantly expanding our pool of concept artists and are busily assembling dedicated writer rooms.

As concept art is being particularly called out — we presently have twenty-three concept artists and have job openings for further artists.

Everything we do is supplementary and aimed at enabling creatives to spend more time on actual creation.

Every machine learning application used well is a boost to a artist's process, never a stand-in for their talent.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of using AI originally sparked backlash among some the player base. In reply, Vincke provided additional detail on social media.

"Our team utilizes AI tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use the internet and reference books," he wrote. "During the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then replace with original artwork."

He noted, "Our studio recruits talent for their unique talent, not for their willingness to replicate what a machine suggests."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past broken down the studio's targeted strategy to this technology, grouping its use into primary pillars:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using tools to rapidly prototype simple models of mechanics to experiment with concepts before expensive implementation.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how AI could one day enhance innovative player agency, specifically in creating unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.

He specifically stated that central narrative areas — including visual art — are not departments where the studio is cutting creative talent. On the contrary, Larian is expanding its staff in these very fields.

"Larian is not releasing a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down creatives to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.