The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Explains Its Use of AI Tools for New Divinity Game
The team behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its new project, sparking significant excitement within the gaming community. However, follow-up statements from the studio's figurehead have brought a new dimension to the narrative, addressing the team's stance toward machine learning.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a latest clarification, Swen Vincke explained that the team is utilizing machine learning for particular ancillary functions. These include developing presentation materials, creating early-stage artistic references, and creating draft text.
Crucially, Vincke stressed that the shipping content in the game will be created exclusively by human artists. "We are writing all the content ourselves," he stated.
Our studio is continuously expanding our pool of storytellers and are busily forming writing teams.
Since visual development is being explicitly called out — we currently have 23 visual developers and have roles to fill for additional creatives.
Everything we do is supplementary and designed to letting our team spend additional energy on making content.
Every AI system applied correctly is a boost to a developer's routine, never a stand-in for their skill.
Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent
The admission of employing this technology originally generated unease among some the fanbase. In response, Vincke provided additional detail on online platforms.
"We use AI tools to gather inspiration, similar to we use Google and art books," he stated. "In the very early planning process we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then substitute with original artwork."
He noted, "We've hired talent for their unique talent, not for their capacity to follow what a algorithm proposes."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had earlier detailed the studio's targeted approach to AI and ML, categorizing its use into primary pillars:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
- Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using systems to speedily create rough versions of scenarios to test concepts before complete implementation.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how AI could eventually create innovative reactivity, especially in simulating player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.
He specifically affirmed that central narrative disciplines — including visual art — are not departments where the studio is reducing human input. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these exact positions.
"Our studio is not launching a game with any AI components, nor considering reducing staff to replace them with AI," Vincke concluded.
