The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Clarifies Its Application of Machine Learning for Next Project

The developer behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its new project, sparking significant anticipation within the industry. However, subsequent remarks from the company's lead designer have brought a new dimension to the conversation, touching on the studio's approach toward machine learning.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a new clarification, Larian's director outlined that the team is utilizing machine learning for particular ancillary tasks. These involve enhancing pitch decks, producing early-stage artistic references, and drafting temporary dialogue.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the shipping material in the game will be created exclusively by real artists. "Our team is writing all the content ourselves," he affirmed.

We are constantly growing our roster of concept artists and are busily assembling narrative groups.

Since this area is being explicitly referenced — we currently have 23 concept artists and have roles to fill for further creatives.

All our efforts we do is incremental and designed to having people spend greater focus on actual creation.

Every AI system implemented properly is additive to a developer's process, not a substitute for their skill.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The revelation of using AI originally sparked concern among some the community. In reply, Vincke issued more clarification on social media.

"At Larian, we employ AI tools to research ideas, similar to we use the internet and reference books," he wrote. "In the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then replace with original artwork."

He noted, "Our studio recruits talent for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to follow what a machine suggests."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had earlier detailed the company's practical strategy to machine learning, defining its use into three main functions:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses refining animations, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using systems to rapidly prototype basic mock-ups of scenarios to test concepts prior to full implementation.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Investigating how machine learning could in the future create new forms of player agency, especially in managing dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.

He explicitly stated that central narrative domains — like music composition — are are in no way departments where the company is reducing creative involvement. Conversely, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact fields.

"We are not releasing a game with AI-generated content, nor considering trimming down staff to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.