The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Clarifies Its Application of Machine Learning for New Divinity Game

The developer behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently unveiled its new project, creating immense hype within the player base. However, subsequent comments from the company's lead designer have added nuance to the narrative, touching on the team's stance toward machine learning.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a latest message, the studio's founder outlined that the developer is using generative AI for certain ancillary purposes. These encompass enhancing PowerPoint slides, creating early-stage concept art, and creating placeholder copy.

Crucially, Vincke emphasized that the end content in the game will be crafted exclusively by actual writers. "Larian is writing every line in-house," he said.

Larian is constantly expanding our team of writers and are actively forming dedicated writer rooms.

Since concept art is being explicitly mentioned — we presently have 23 concept artists and have positions available for further creatives.

All our efforts we do is additive and designed to enabling creatives to spend more time on the creative process.

Any machine learning application implemented properly is additive to a developer's workflow, not a substitute for their talent.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of using AI initially provoked backlash among a segment of the community. In reply, Vincke issued further elaboration on public forums.

"At Larian, we employ these tools to research ideas, similar to we use search engines and art books," he explained. "In the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then substitute with authentic illustrations."

He added, "We've hired talent for their unique talent, not for their willingness to execute what a machine suggests."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past broken down the studio's focused approach to machine learning, categorizing its use into key functions:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like refining animations, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to quickly build basic models of mechanics to validate concepts ahead of complete implementation.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how AI could eventually facilitate emergent gameplay, especially in creating player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He specifically affirmed that core creative areas — like music composition — are are absolutely not departments where the company is replacing human input. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these exact fields.

"We are neither shipping a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not planning on reducing staff to replace them with AI," Vincke summarized.