The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Clarifies Its Use of AI Tools for New Project
The developer behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its next major project, sparking significant hype within the industry. However, subsequent comments from the company's figurehead have added clarity to the discussion, focusing on the developer's stance toward machine learning.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a recent statement, Larian's director explained that the team is utilizing AI technology for specific ancillary functions. These include enhancing PowerPoint slides, creating early-stage concept art, and writing draft text.
Crucially, Vincke stressed that the end material in the game will be crafted exclusively by human creatives. "Larian is developing every line manually," he affirmed.
Our studio is continuously increasing our roster of concept artists and are actively assembling dedicated writer rooms.
As visual development is being particularly called out — we currently have over twenty concept artists and have positions available for further talent.
All our efforts we do is additive and focused on letting our team spend additional energy on making content.
Every machine learning application used well is supplementary to a artist's routine, not a substitute for their craft.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The admission of using AI at first provoked unease among some the community. In reply, Vincke provided additional clarification on online platforms.
"At Larian, we employ AI tools to gather inspiration, just like we use the internet and physical media," he wrote. "In the very early planning process we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then replace with authentic artwork."
He added, "Larian brings on artists for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to follow what a algorithm proposes."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had previously broken down the team's focused method to this technology, grouping its use into three main areas:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to quickly build basic models of scenarios to experiment with concepts ahead of full development.
- Experimental Frontiers: Exploring how AI could one day create emergent reactivity, especially in managing unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.
He specifically affirmed that central narrative areas — such as writing — are not fields where the team is replacing artistic input. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact roles.
"Our studio is neither releasing a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not planning on reducing staff to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.
