The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Clarifies Its Use of Generative AI for Next Project

The developer behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently unveiled its upcoming project, creating immense anticipation within the industry. However, recent comments from the company's figurehead have brought a new dimension to the narrative, focusing on the studio's approach toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a recent statement, the studio's founder detailed that the team is utilizing AI technology for specific preliminary purposes. These encompass developing pitch decks, creating early-stage artistic references, and creating draft text.

Notably, Vincke made clear that the shipping assets in the game will be created exclusively by human creatives. "Larian is writing every line manually," he stated.

Our studio is actively increasing our pool of storytellers and are currently assembling narrative groups.

Given that this area is being specifically mentioned — we presently have 23 visual developers and have roles to fill for additional talent.

All our efforts we do is supplementary and focused on letting our team spend greater focus on actual creation.

Every ML tool applied correctly is supplementary to a developer's routine, not a replacement for their talent.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The revelation of using AI at first sparked concern among a segment of the player base. In reaction, Vincke offered more clarification on public forums.

"We use machine learning to gather inspiration, in the same way we use Google and physical media," he wrote. "In the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then swap out with original artwork."

He noted, "Our studio recruits artists for their unique talent, not for their ability to replicate what a AI generates."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had earlier detailed the team's practical approach to this technology, defining its use into key areas:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes polishing mocap data, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to rapidly prototype rough models of mechanics to experiment with concepts prior to full development.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how AI could one day enhance innovative gameplay, specifically in simulating dynamic reactions in a complex RPG.

He clearly noted that central narrative disciplines — such as music composition — are are in no way fields where the company is cutting creative talent. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these precise positions.

"We are neither shipping a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not considering cutting staff to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.