The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Details Its Application of Generative AI for New Project
The studio behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its next major project, creating immense excitement within the industry. However, recent statements from the studio's lead designer have added a new dimension to the conversation, addressing the team's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a latest statement, the studio's founder detailed that the developer is utilizing generative AI for particular preliminary functions. These include developing presentation materials, generating rough visual ideas, and writing temporary dialogue.
Importantly, Vincke made clear that the shipping material in the game will be crafted exclusively by real artists. "We are writing all the content manually," he stated.
Our studio is constantly growing our pool of writers and are busily assembling writing teams.
As this area is being explicitly referenced — we presently have 23 artistic staff and have positions available for further talent.
All our efforts we do is supplementary and designed to letting our team spend greater focus on making content.
Any machine learning application implemented properly is a boost to a creative team process, not a substitute for their talent.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The revelation of using AI initially sparked concern among portions of the community. In reply, Vincke offered further elaboration on online platforms.
"We use these tools to explore references, in the same way we use Google and physical media," he explained. "In the initial planning process we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then substitute with authentic illustrations."
He added, "Our studio recruits creatives for their creative vision, not for their ability to follow what a algorithm proposes."
Three Pillars of Practical Application
Vincke had in the past broken down the team's targeted method to this technology, categorizing its use into primary pillars:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses refining animations, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to speedily create simple models of gameplay ideas to test concepts before complete implementation.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how machine learning could one day enhance new forms of gameplay, specifically in creating dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.
He clearly stated that central narrative disciplines — like music composition — are are absolutely not fields where the studio is replacing artistic talent. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these precise fields.
"We are neither launching a game with AI-generated content, nor looking at cutting staff to replace them with AI," Vincke concluded.