The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Details Its Implementation of AI Tools for New Project
The team behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its next major project, creating a wave of anticipation within the industry. However, recent comments from the company's lead designer have brought nuance to the conversation, touching on the studio's approach toward AI tools.
AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute
In a new clarification, Larian's director detailed that the developer is using machine learning for specific ancillary functions. These include enhancing presentation materials, creating rough concept art, and drafting temporary text.
Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the final material in the game will be authored entirely by actual writers. "Larian is writing every line manually," he stated.
Our studio is continuously increasing our team of writers and are actively assembling writing teams.
As visual development is being specifically mentioned — we currently have 23 concept artists and have roles to fill for additional creatives.
All our efforts we do is additive and focused on enabling creatives to spend additional energy on making content.
Any AI system applied correctly is additive to a creative team process, never a stand-in for their skill.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The admission of using AI originally generated backlash among portions of the player base. In response, Vincke issued more detail on social media.
"At Larian, we employ AI tools to explore references, just like we use the internet and physical media," he explained. "During the conceptual planning process we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then substitute with authentic concept art."
He noted, "We've hired artists for their unique talent, not for their capacity to follow what a AI generates."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had previously detailed the studio's targeted approach to AI and ML, categorizing its use into three main areas:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses polishing mocap data, audio processing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to quickly build rough versions of scenarios to validate concepts before complete production.
- Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how AI could eventually facilitate innovative reactivity, particularly in creating player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.
He clearly noted that key artistic areas — such as visual art — are are in no way fields where the company is cutting artistic involvement. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these very positions.
"Larian is not releasing a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not planning on reducing staff to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.