The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Clarifies Its Use of AI Tools for New Divinity

The studio behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its next major project, generating a wave of anticipation within the industry. However, recent comments from the studio's lead designer have added clarity to the discussion, focusing on the team's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a latest statement, the studio's founder outlined that the team is using generative AI for certain ancillary functions. These involve fleshing out PowerPoint slides, generating initial concept art, and drafting draft copy.

Notably, Vincke stressed that the end material in the game will be authored solely by human artists. "Our team is developing everything in-house," he affirmed.

Larian is continuously growing our roster of writers and are actively putting together dedicated writer rooms.

Given that concept art is being specifically called out — we right now have over twenty visual developers and have positions available for additional artists.

All our efforts we do is incremental and aimed at having people spend additional energy on actual creation.

Any machine learning application used well is a boost to a creative team workflow, not a substitute for their skill.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The admission of using AI originally provoked concern among some the community. In reaction, Vincke offered further clarification on online platforms.

"At Larian, we employ AI tools to gather inspiration, similar to we use Google and physical media," he wrote. "In the initial planning process we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then replace with original concept art."

He noted, "We've hired talent for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to follow what a algorithm proposes."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had in the past broken down the team's targeted approach to this technology, grouping its use into three main areas:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to rapidly prototype simple mock-ups of scenarios to experiment with concepts prior to expensive development.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how AI could eventually enhance new forms of player agency, particularly in creating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.

He explicitly noted that central narrative domains — including visual art — are not areas where the company is reducing creative input. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these very positions.

"Larian is not shipping a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down creatives to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.