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

The developer behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its next major project, generating a wave of anticipation within the player base. However, recent remarks from the company's figurehead have introduced nuance to the conversation, focusing on the studio's stance toward machine learning.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a recent message, Larian's director outlined that the company is using AI technology for particular preliminary purposes. These include enhancing PowerPoint slides, producing early-stage visual ideas, and drafting placeholder dialogue.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the end content in the game will be created entirely by real artists. "We are writing all the content ourselves," he said.

We are continuously expanding our team of concept artists and are actively putting together writing teams.

As this area is being particularly mentioned — we right now have over twenty concept artists and have positions available for additional talent.

All our efforts we do is additive and designed to enabling creatives to spend more time on making content.

Any AI system implemented properly is a boost to a creative team process, never a stand-in for their craft.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The admission of using AI initially sparked concern among some the community. In reply, Vincke provided more clarification on online platforms.

"Our team utilizes machine learning to gather inspiration, in the same way we use search engines and art books," he stated. "During the initial ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then swap out with authentic concept art."

He noted, "Our studio recruits creatives for their creative vision, not for their ability to execute what a AI generates."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past outlined the studio's targeted strategy to machine learning, defining its use into key pillars:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using tools to speedily create basic versions of mechanics to test concepts before expensive production.
• Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how AI could one day enhance new forms of player agency, particularly in managing dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.

He specifically affirmed that core creative areas — including music composition — are not fields where the team is replacing human input. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these very fields.

"Larian is not shipping a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not looking at cutting teams to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.