The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Explains Its Implementation of Generative AI for Upcoming Project

The team behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its next major project, sparking immense anticipation within the player base. However, follow-up statements from the studio's lead designer have introduced nuance to the conversation, touching on the team's philosophy toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a latest message, Larian's director explained that the developer is using AI technology for certain ancillary purposes. These encompass fleshing out pitch decks, creating rough concept art, and drafting draft copy.

Notably, Vincke stressed that the shipping material in the game will be authored entirely by human artists. "Our team is creating all the content in-house," he stated.

We are constantly expanding our team of writers and are actively assembling writing teams.

Given that visual development is being particularly called out — we currently have 23 artistic staff and have job openings for additional talent.

Everything we do is supplementary and focused on having people spend additional energy on actual creation.

Every AI system implemented properly is additive to a creative team process, not a substitute for their talent.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The admission of AI usage initially sparked unease among a segment of the fanbase. In response, Vincke provided additional clarification on social media.

"At Larian, we employ machine learning to research ideas, in the same way we use Google and art books," he explained. "In the conceptual planning process we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then replace with authentic artwork."

He added, "Larian brings on artists for their unique talent, not for their willingness to execute what a AI generates."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had previously detailed the team's focused method to this technology, grouping its use into three main pillars:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes refining animations, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to quickly build simple models of mechanics to validate concepts ahead of expensive production.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how AI could eventually facilitate innovative reactivity, specifically in managing player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He explicitly noted that central narrative areas — like visual art — are are absolutely not fields where the company is replacing artistic input. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these exact fields.

"We are not shipping a game with any AI components, nor looking at reducing creatives to substitute them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.