The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Clarifies Its Application of AI Tools for Next Project
The team behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its new project, sparking immense anticipation within the industry. However, recent statements from the company's figurehead have introduced clarity to the discussion, addressing the studio's approach toward machine learning.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a latest statement, Larian's director explained that the company is utilizing AI technology for certain ancillary functions. These involve developing PowerPoint slides, producing rough artistic references, and writing draft copy.
Crucially, Vincke made clear that the shipping material in the game will be created exclusively by human creatives. "Our team is creating everything in-house," he stated.
We are constantly growing our pool of concept artists and are currently forming narrative groups.
Since this area is being specifically called out — we currently have over twenty artistic staff and have roles to fill for more artists.
Each initiative we do is incremental and aimed at enabling creatives to spend additional energy on the creative process.
Every AI system applied correctly is supplementary to a artist's routine, not a replacement for their skill.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The admission of using AI originally provoked concern among portions of the player base. In reaction, Vincke offered further elaboration on social media.
"Our team utilizes these tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use the internet and physical media," he stated. "During the very early ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then swap out with hand-crafted illustrations."
He added, "Larian brings on creatives for their unique talent, not for their ability to replicate what a algorithm proposes."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had previously detailed the company's focused approach to machine learning, defining its use into primary pillars:
- Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses polishing mocap data, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adjusting assets for various species.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to rapidly prototype basic mock-ups of mechanics to validate concepts prior to full development.
- Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how machine learning could one day create new forms of player agency, especially in managing dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.
He explicitly affirmed that core creative domains — such as writing — are are absolutely not fields where the company is replacing creative input. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these precise fields.
"Larian is not releasing a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not considering trimming down creatives to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.
