The Creators of Baldur's Gate 3 Explains Its Use of Generative AI for Upcoming Divinity Game

The team behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its upcoming project, creating a wave of anticipation within the industry. However, subsequent remarks from the studio's lead designer have brought a new dimension to the narrative, focusing on the developer's stance toward AI tools.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a latest statement, Larian's director explained that the company is utilizing generative AI for specific supporting tasks. These include fleshing out pitch decks, producing early-stage concept art, and writing temporary copy.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the final material in the game will be created exclusively by human writers. "Our team is writing everything ourselves," he stated.

Our studio is constantly increasing our pool of writers and are busily putting together narrative groups.

Given that visual development is being specifically mentioned — we currently have over twenty visual developers and have roles to fill for further artists.

Everything we do is supplementary and designed to having people spend more time on making content.

Every machine learning application used well is supplementary to a developer's process, never a stand-in for their craft.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of using AI at first sparked unease among a segment of the player base. In reaction, Vincke issued additional detail on social media.

"We use AI tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use search engines and art books," he wrote. "In the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then swap out with hand-crafted concept art."

He continued, "Our studio recruits talent for their creative vision, not for their capacity to replicate what a AI generates."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had earlier outlined the studio's focused method to AI and ML, categorizing its use into primary areas:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses refining animations, audio processing, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using tools to quickly build rough models of gameplay ideas to validate concepts prior to full implementation.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how AI could one day enhance new forms of reactivity, particularly in simulating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.

He clearly noted that core creative domains — like writing — are are absolutely not areas where the studio is reducing human talent. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these exact roles.

"Larian is neither shipping a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not considering trimming down creatives to swap them out with AI," Vincke summarized.