The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Details Its Implementation of Machine Learning for Next Divinity
The team behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its upcoming project, creating significant excitement within the player base. However, recent remarks from the company's figurehead have brought nuance to the conversation, addressing the developer's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a new statement, Larian's director explained that the developer is employing machine learning for certain supporting purposes. These involve enhancing PowerPoint slides, generating early-stage visual ideas, and drafting temporary copy.
Notably, Vincke made clear that the end content in the game will be crafted exclusively by real writers. "Larian is creating all the content manually," he stated.
Larian is actively increasing our pool of writers and are busily forming narrative groups.
Given that visual development is being particularly mentioned — we presently have over twenty concept artists and have roles to fill for more creatives.
Each initiative we do is incremental and designed to enabling creatives to spend more time on making content.
Every AI system applied correctly is supplementary to a artist's process, not a substitute for their skill.
Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent
The revelation of using AI at first generated concern among a segment of the player base. In reaction, Vincke offered more elaboration on online platforms.
"Our team utilizes machine learning to research ideas, in the same way we use search engines and reference books," he wrote. "During the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then replace with hand-crafted concept art."
He added, "Our studio recruits artists for their inherent skill, not for their ability to replicate what a machine suggests."
Focused Uses for Machine Learning
Vincke had previously detailed the company's targeted approach to this technology, categorizing its use into primary pillars:
- Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and Larian-specific work like adjusting assets for various species.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to quickly build simple models of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts prior to expensive production.
- Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how machine learning could eventually create innovative player agency, particularly in managing dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.
He explicitly stated that central narrative areas — including writing — are not areas where the studio is replacing artistic talent. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these very fields.
"Our studio is neither releasing a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not looking at cutting creatives to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.