The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Clarifies Its Application of Machine Learning for New Project
The developer behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its new project, sparking a wave of anticipation within the player base. However, recent statements from the studio's co-founder have added a new dimension to the discussion, addressing the team's stance toward machine learning.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a new message, the studio's founder explained that the team is using machine learning for certain supporting purposes. These involve developing presentation materials, creating early-stage concept art, and drafting placeholder copy.
Notably, Vincke made clear that the end content in the game will be crafted solely by real creatives. "We are creating all the content in-house," he affirmed.
We are actively increasing our team of storytellers and are busily assembling narrative groups.
As this area is being specifically mentioned — we presently have over twenty artistic staff and have roles to fill for additional artists.
Everything we do is additive and aimed at enabling creatives to spend greater focus on the creative process.
Every AI system used well is supplementary to a artist's process, not a replacement for their skill.
Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent
The news of employing this technology at first generated backlash among some the community. In reaction, Vincke offered more detail on public forums.
"At Larian, we employ AI tools to research ideas, just like we use search engines and reference books," he explained. "During the very early planning process we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then substitute with original illustrations."
He noted, "We've hired artists for their creative vision, not for their willingness to follow what a machine suggests."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had previously outlined the team's practical strategy to this technology, grouping its use into three main areas:
- Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses polishing mocap data, audio processing, and Larian-specific work like adjusting assets for various species.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using systems to speedily create simple models of mechanics to experiment with concepts before full development.
- Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how machine learning could eventually facilitate emergent gameplay, especially in simulating player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.
He explicitly stated that central narrative areas — including visual art — are are absolutely not departments where the studio is reducing creative input. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these exact positions.
"We are not shipping a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not planning on reducing staff to replace them with AI," Vincke concluded.