🔗 Share this article The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Details Its Application of Machine Learning for Upcoming Divinity The developer behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its new project, generating a wave of hype within the gaming community. However, subsequent comments from the studio's lead designer have introduced nuance to the discussion, addressing the studio's philosophy toward AI tools. AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute In a recent message, Larian's director detailed that the developer is using AI technology for certain supporting purposes. These include enhancing pitch decks, creating initial concept art, and creating temporary copy. Crucially, Vincke made clear that the final content in the game will be created solely by real artists. "We are developing all the content in-house," he stated. Larian is continuously increasing our pool of concept artists and are currently assembling writing teams. As concept art is being explicitly called out — we presently have 23 visual developers and have positions available for more talent. Each initiative we do is incremental and aimed at enabling creatives to spend more time on the creative process. Any ML tool used well is a boost to a artist's routine, not a substitute for their skill. Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path The admission of AI usage originally sparked unease among some the player base. In reaction, Vincke provided more clarification on online platforms. "At Larian, we employ AI tools to explore references, in the same way we use the internet and reference books," he wrote. "During the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then substitute with authentic illustrations." He added, "Our studio recruits creatives for their creative vision, not for their ability to replicate what a AI generates." Key Areas of AI Integration Vincke had in the past broken down the team's focused strategy to AI and ML, defining its use into primary functions: Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations. Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to speedily create basic versions of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts before complete production. Experimental Frontiers: Researching how AI could eventually enhance emergent reactivity, specifically in simulating dynamic reactions in a complex RPG. He specifically noted that key artistic domains — including music composition — are not departments where the team is replacing human input. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these exact fields. "We are neither launching a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not planning on reducing teams to swap them out with AI," Vincke summarized.
The developer behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its new project, generating a wave of hype within the gaming community. However, subsequent comments from the studio's lead designer have introduced nuance to the discussion, addressing the studio's philosophy toward AI tools. AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute In a recent message, Larian's director detailed that the developer is using AI technology for certain supporting purposes. These include enhancing pitch decks, creating initial concept art, and creating temporary copy. Crucially, Vincke made clear that the final content in the game will be created solely by real artists. "We are developing all the content in-house," he stated. Larian is continuously increasing our pool of concept artists and are currently assembling writing teams. As concept art is being explicitly called out — we presently have 23 visual developers and have positions available for more talent. Each initiative we do is incremental and aimed at enabling creatives to spend more time on the creative process. Any ML tool used well is a boost to a artist's routine, not a substitute for their skill. Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path The admission of AI usage originally sparked unease among some the player base. In reaction, Vincke provided more clarification on online platforms. "At Larian, we employ AI tools to explore references, in the same way we use the internet and reference books," he wrote. "During the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then substitute with authentic illustrations." He added, "Our studio recruits creatives for their creative vision, not for their ability to replicate what a AI generates." Key Areas of AI Integration Vincke had in the past broken down the team's focused strategy to AI and ML, defining its use into primary functions: Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations. Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to speedily create basic versions of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts before complete production. Experimental Frontiers: Researching how AI could eventually enhance emergent reactivity, specifically in simulating dynamic reactions in a complex RPG. He specifically noted that key artistic domains — including music composition — are not departments where the team is replacing human input. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these exact fields. "We are neither launching a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not planning on reducing teams to swap them out with AI," Vincke summarized.