The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Clarifies Its Use of Machine Learning for Upcoming Divinity
The team behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its new project, sparking immense hype within the gaming community. However, follow-up statements from the company's co-founder have introduced nuance to the narrative, addressing the developer's approach toward machine learning.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a new statement, the studio's founder explained that the team is using generative AI for certain ancillary functions. These encompass enhancing PowerPoint slides, creating rough visual ideas, and drafting temporary text.
Importantly, Vincke stressed that the end content in the game will be crafted solely by actual writers. "Our team is writing everything manually," he affirmed.
We are constantly increasing our team of writers and are currently forming narrative groups.
As concept art is being explicitly referenced — we currently have 23 artistic staff and have roles to fill for more creatives.
All our efforts we do is supplementary and designed to enabling creatives to spend additional energy on actual creation.
Every machine learning application used well is additive to a artist's workflow, not a substitute for their talent.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The revelation of AI usage initially generated unease among portions of the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke issued more elaboration on online platforms.
"At Larian, we employ machine learning to gather inspiration, in the same way we use the internet and reference books," he wrote. "During the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then swap out with hand-crafted artwork."
He added, "Our studio recruits talent for their inherent skill, not for their ability to execute what a AI generates."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had previously outlined the team's practical approach to machine learning, defining its use into key pillars:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to rapidly prototype rough mock-ups of scenarios to test concepts ahead of full implementation.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Investigating how machine learning could in the future facilitate innovative reactivity, specifically in simulating dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.
He specifically affirmed that central narrative areas — such as writing — are are absolutely not departments where the company is replacing artistic talent. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these very roles.
"We are neither shipping a game with machine-made assets, nor planning on cutting teams to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.