The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Clarifies Its Implementation of AI Tools for Upcoming Divinity Game

The team behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its upcoming project, sparking significant excitement within the gaming community. However, recent comments from the studio's co-founder have brought nuance to the narrative, addressing the studio's philosophy toward generative artificial intelligence.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a new clarification, the studio's founder outlined that the company is utilizing AI technology for particular preliminary purposes. These encompass enhancing pitch decks, producing early-stage concept art, and writing draft copy.

Notably, Vincke stressed that the shipping content in the game will be created solely by actual creatives. "Our team is creating all the content ourselves," he stated.

We are continuously increasing our team of writers and are busily assembling narrative groups.

Given that this area is being particularly referenced — we currently have over twenty visual developers and have roles to fill for more artists.

All our efforts we do is additive and focused on enabling creatives to spend more time on making content.

Any machine learning application applied correctly is supplementary to a artist's process, not a substitute for their talent.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The revelation of employing this technology at first generated backlash among some the community. In response, Vincke offered further elaboration on online platforms.

"We use AI tools to gather inspiration, similar to we use search engines and art books," he stated. "During the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then swap out with original illustrations."

He continued, "We've hired creatives for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to follow what a AI generates."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had earlier outlined the team's targeted approach to AI and ML, categorizing its use into key pillars:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to speedily create simple mock-ups of mechanics to validate concepts ahead of complete production.
• Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how machine learning could eventually enhance innovative player agency, specifically in simulating dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.

He specifically noted that core creative areas — including writing — are are in no way areas where the team is reducing artistic input. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these exact positions.

"We are not launching a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down staff to replace them with AI," Vincke summarized.