The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Clarifies Its Application of AI Tools for Upcoming Project

The studio behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its upcoming project, sparking immense excitement within the industry. However, recent statements from the studio's lead designer have added clarity to the conversation, focusing on the team's philosophy toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new message, the studio's founder outlined that the developer is utilizing AI technology for specific ancillary purposes. These encompass fleshing out presentation materials, creating initial visual ideas, and creating draft copy.

Notably, Vincke stressed that the shipping material in the game will be authored entirely by human artists. "Larian is writing everything ourselves," he affirmed.

Our studio is actively expanding our team of concept artists and are currently assembling narrative groups.

As visual development is being explicitly mentioned — we presently have twenty-three artistic staff and have job openings for more talent.

Each initiative we do is additive and designed to letting our team spend greater focus on the creative process.

Every AI system applied correctly is supplementary to a developer's workflow, not a substitute for their talent.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The revelation of AI usage originally provoked backlash among portions of the player base. In reply, Vincke issued additional clarification on social media.

"Our team utilizes machine learning to research ideas, similar to we use the internet and art books," he wrote. "During the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then replace with original illustrations."

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

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had previously broken down the studio's targeted method to AI and ML, defining its use into three main areas:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes refining animations, voice editing, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using systems to rapidly prototype basic models of mechanics to test concepts prior to expensive production.
• Experimental Frontiers: Exploring how machine learning could eventually facilitate new forms of gameplay, especially in simulating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.

He specifically noted that key artistic domains — including music composition — are not departments where the company is reducing creative involvement. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these exact positions.

"We are not launching a game with AI-generated content, nor considering cutting teams to substitute them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.