The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Explains Its Application of Machine Learning for Upcoming Project

The team behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its next major project, sparking significant excitement within the player base. However, recent statements from the company's co-founder have brought nuance to the narrative, focusing on the studio's stance toward machine learning.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a latest statement, Larian's director explained that the team is utilizing machine learning for certain supporting purposes. These include enhancing pitch decks, producing rough concept art, and creating draft copy.

Importantly, Vincke stressed that the shipping material in the game will be crafted exclusively by real artists. "We are developing everything in-house," he stated.

Our studio is actively growing our team of concept artists and are busily forming writing teams.

As concept art is being specifically referenced — we currently have over twenty concept artists and have job openings for further creatives.

All our efforts we do is incremental and focused on letting our team spend greater focus on making content.

Every ML tool implemented properly is additive to a developer's workflow, not a substitute for their talent.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of employing this technology at first sparked concern among a segment of the fanbase. In reply, Vincke provided further clarification on public forums.

"At Larian, we employ AI tools to research ideas, in the same way we use search engines and physical media," he wrote. "During the initial planning process we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then swap out with authentic concept art."

He continued, "Larian brings on artists for their unique talent, not for their capacity to follow what a machine suggests."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had previously outlined the company's practical approach to AI and ML, categorizing its use into key functions:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using tools to speedily create rough mock-ups of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts before expensive implementation.
• Experimental Frontiers: Exploring how machine learning could eventually create innovative gameplay, particularly in managing unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world.

He explicitly stated that core creative domains — like visual art — are are in no way areas where the company is cutting artistic involvement. Conversely, Larian is expanding its staff in these precise positions.

"Larian is neither launching a game with any AI components, nor planning on cutting staff to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.