🔗 Share this article The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Clarifies Its Use of Generative AI for Next Divinity The team behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its next major project, sparking significant hype within the gaming community. However, recent comments from the company's co-founder have brought clarity to the narrative, addressing the studio's philosophy toward machine learning. AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute In a recent message, Swen Vincke explained that the developer is employing generative AI for certain ancillary functions. These include enhancing pitch decks, producing rough visual ideas, and writing placeholder dialogue. Crucially, Vincke made clear that the end content in the game will be authored exclusively by actual artists. "Larian is developing every line ourselves," he affirmed. Larian is continuously increasing our roster of storytellers and are busily assembling narrative groups. Given that this area is being specifically called out — we right now have twenty-three concept artists and have roles to fill for additional artists. Everything we do is incremental and aimed at enabling creatives to spend greater focus on making content. Any ML tool applied correctly is supplementary to a developer's workflow, not a replacement for their craft. Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision The news of AI usage at first sparked unease among some the community. In reaction, Vincke provided further detail on social media. "We use machine learning to gather inspiration, in the same way we use search engines and art books," he stated. "In the initial ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then swap out with original illustrations." He continued, "Larian brings on talent for their unique talent, not for their ability to execute what a AI generates." Focused Uses for Machine Learning Vincke had previously detailed the company's practical strategy to this technology, defining its use into primary pillars: Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses refining animations, audio processing, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models. Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using tools to quickly build rough versions of mechanics to experiment with concepts before expensive development. Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how machine learning could eventually create new forms of gameplay, particularly in simulating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG. He specifically affirmed that core creative disciplines — such as writing — are not fields where the studio is replacing human input. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these very roles. "We are neither releasing a game with machine-made assets, nor considering trimming down staff to swap them out with AI," Vincke concluded.
The team behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its next major project, sparking significant hype within the gaming community. However, recent comments from the company's co-founder have brought clarity to the narrative, addressing the studio's philosophy toward machine learning. AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute In a recent message, Swen Vincke explained that the developer is employing generative AI for certain ancillary functions. These include enhancing pitch decks, producing rough visual ideas, and writing placeholder dialogue. Crucially, Vincke made clear that the end content in the game will be authored exclusively by actual artists. "Larian is developing every line ourselves," he affirmed. Larian is continuously increasing our roster of storytellers and are busily assembling narrative groups. Given that this area is being specifically called out — we right now have twenty-three concept artists and have roles to fill for additional artists. Everything we do is incremental and aimed at enabling creatives to spend greater focus on making content. Any ML tool applied correctly is supplementary to a developer's workflow, not a replacement for their craft. Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision The news of AI usage at first sparked unease among some the community. In reaction, Vincke provided further detail on social media. "We use machine learning to gather inspiration, in the same way we use search engines and art books," he stated. "In the initial ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then swap out with original illustrations." He continued, "Larian brings on talent for their unique talent, not for their ability to execute what a AI generates." Focused Uses for Machine Learning Vincke had previously detailed the company's practical strategy to this technology, defining its use into primary pillars: Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses refining animations, audio processing, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models. Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using tools to quickly build rough versions of mechanics to experiment with concepts before expensive development. Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how machine learning could eventually create new forms of gameplay, particularly in simulating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG. He specifically affirmed that core creative disciplines — such as writing — are not fields where the studio is replacing human input. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these very roles. "We are neither releasing a game with machine-made assets, nor considering trimming down staff to swap them out with AI," Vincke concluded.