The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Explains Its Application of Generative AI for Next Project

The team behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its upcoming project, generating a wave of anticipation within the player base. However, subsequent remarks from the studio's co-founder have brought clarity to the discussion, addressing the team's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest clarification, Larian's director outlined that the company is utilizing generative AI for specific supporting purposes. These encompass developing pitch decks, producing rough visual ideas, and writing placeholder copy.

Notably, Vincke made clear that the end assets in the game will be created solely by actual writers. "We are creating everything in-house," he stated.

Larian is constantly growing our pool of concept artists and are actively putting together writing teams.

As concept art is being explicitly called out — we presently have 23 visual developers and have positions available for further artists.

Each initiative we do is additive and aimed at letting our team spend additional energy on actual creation.

Any AI system implemented properly is a boost to a artist's routine, never a stand-in for their talent.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The news of AI usage originally provoked unease among some the fanbase. In response, Vincke issued more elaboration on public forums.

"At Larian, we employ machine learning to explore references, just like we use the internet and physical media," he wrote. "During the conceptual planning process we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then substitute with authentic illustrations."

He continued, "We've hired talent for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to execute what a algorithm proposes."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had earlier outlined the studio's practical strategy to this technology, grouping its use into primary pillars:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like refining animations, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using systems to rapidly prototype simple versions of scenarios to validate concepts prior to complete development.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how AI could in the future create emergent gameplay, especially in managing player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.

He clearly affirmed that central narrative areas — such as writing — are are in no way areas where the team is reducing human involvement. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these exact roles.

"Larian is not launching a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down creatives to substitute them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.