The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Clarifies Its Implementation of Machine Learning for Upcoming Project

The developer behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its new project, generating immense excitement within the gaming community. However, subsequent statements from the company's co-founder have brought nuance to the conversation, addressing the studio's stance toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a recent message, Larian's director explained that the company is employing machine learning for particular ancillary purposes. These include fleshing out PowerPoint slides, producing early-stage artistic references, and writing placeholder dialogue.

Notably, Vincke emphasized that the end assets in the game will be created entirely by real artists. "Larian is creating everything in-house," he affirmed.

Larian is continuously increasing our team of concept artists and are busily forming narrative groups.

As concept art is being specifically referenced — we right now have 23 concept artists and have job openings for further artists.

Everything we do is supplementary and focused on letting our team spend additional energy on actual creation.

Every AI system applied correctly is supplementary to a creative team process, not a replacement for their craft.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The revelation of using AI originally provoked backlash among some the community. In reply, Vincke provided additional clarification on online platforms.

"Our team utilizes machine learning to explore references, similar to we use search engines and reference books," he wrote. "During the very early ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then substitute with hand-crafted artwork."

He added, "Our studio recruits talent for their unique talent, not for their capacity to follow what a AI generates."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had previously outlined the team's targeted method to this technology, grouping its use into primary areas:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to speedily create simple versions of gameplay ideas to validate concepts before complete development.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how machine learning could in the future enhance innovative reactivity, specifically in managing dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.

He explicitly stated that central narrative areas — like music composition — are are in no way fields where the company is replacing human involvement. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these precise fields.

"We are neither releasing a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not planning on reducing teams to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.