The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Clarifies Its Use of Machine Learning for New Project

The studio behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its next major project, generating a wave of hype within the industry. However, follow-up comments from the company's co-founder have brought nuance to the conversation, addressing the developer's stance toward machine learning.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a new statement, Larian's director outlined that the company is utilizing AI technology for specific ancillary functions. These encompass enhancing presentation materials, creating rough concept art, and creating placeholder dialogue.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the end content in the game will be created solely by actual writers. "Larian is developing every line ourselves," he said.

We are continuously expanding our team of storytellers and are actively putting together writing teams.

Since visual development is being specifically called out — we currently have twenty-three concept artists and have roles to fill for additional creatives.

Each initiative we do is additive and designed to enabling creatives to spend additional energy on actual creation.

Any machine learning application applied correctly is additive to a artist's routine, not a substitute for their skill.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The news of using AI at first provoked unease among a segment of the community. In reply, Vincke issued additional detail on social media.

"Our team utilizes these tools to gather inspiration, similar to we use search engines and reference books," he wrote. "During the conceptual planning process we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then substitute with authentic concept art."

He added, "We've hired creatives for their unique talent, not for their capacity to follow what a algorithm proposes."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had previously outlined the team's practical method to machine learning, grouping its use into three main areas:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses polishing mocap data, voice editing, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to quickly build rough versions of mechanics to experiment with concepts prior to expensive development.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how machine learning could one day create emergent player agency, especially in simulating dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.

He clearly affirmed that central narrative domains — including writing — are are absolutely not areas where the studio is reducing artistic input. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these precise roles.

"Our studio is neither launching a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not considering cutting teams to substitute them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.