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

The team behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its next major project, generating significant excitement within the player base. However, subsequent statements from the company's lead designer have brought clarity to the discussion, focusing on the developer's philosophy toward generative artificial intelligence.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a latest clarification, Larian's director explained that the company is utilizing generative AI for particular ancillary purposes. These involve developing presentation materials, creating initial concept art, and writing temporary text.

Notably, Vincke made clear that the shipping material in the game will be crafted exclusively by real writers. "We are developing every line manually," he stated.

We are constantly growing our pool of storytellers and are currently assembling writing teams.

Given that concept art is being specifically called out — we right now have 23 visual developers and have job openings for more creatives.

Everything we do is additive and aimed at enabling creatives to spend greater focus on actual creation.

Any ML tool used well is a boost to a creative team workflow, not a substitute for their talent.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The admission of AI usage originally provoked concern among some the community. In reaction, Vincke issued more clarification on public forums.

"At Larian, we employ these tools to gather inspiration, just like we use search engines and art books," he stated. "In the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then substitute with hand-crafted concept art."

He continued, "Larian brings on talent for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to execute what a AI generates."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had in the past detailed the team's practical strategy to this technology, defining its use into three main areas:

  • Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes polishing mocap data, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
  • Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using tools to quickly build rough versions of mechanics to test concepts before complete development.
  • Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how machine learning could in the future create new forms of gameplay, particularly in creating dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.

He specifically affirmed that central narrative areas — including writing — are are absolutely not fields where the team is cutting creative talent. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these precise roles.

"Larian is neither shipping a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not planning on cutting teams to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.

Don Davila
Don Davila

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in casino entertainment and slot machine mechanics.