Baldur’s Gate 3 Director Shares Thoughts on AI in Game Development, Emphasizes Focus on Hiring Artists

After facing considerable criticism, Swen Vincke, the director of Baldur’s Gate 3, has elaborated on Larian’s approach to using AI in their upcoming title, Divinity.

In a recent discussion, Vincke addressed claims that “Larian has been pushing hard on generative AI.” He confirmed that the technology is being utilized for the “white-boxing” phase of Divinity’s development, which involves early experimentation to shape the game without relying on finalized assets.

Vincke explained that concept artists and scripters have the option to incorporate AI into their workflows. For artists, AI serves as a tool for ideation, similar to how they would use photographs. Scripters may choose to use ChatGPT for generating “stub text,” but they also have the freedom to write their own content. Ultimately, the decision to use AI rests with each individual team member.

Despite the potential for broader experimentation with AI, Vincke expressed skepticism about its impact on speeding up the development process. He noted, “I’m not 100% sure if you’re actually seeing speed-ups that much. You’re trying more stuff. Having tried stuff out, I don’t actually think it accelerates things.” He suggested that there is considerable hype surrounding AI, admitting, “I haven’t really seen ‘oh, this is really gonna replace things.'”

Larian employs around 30 concept artists and has recently acquired a boutique concept art firm, especially as other studios pivot towards AI. Vincke emphasized that all in-game content is created by human actors and that the studio is committed to writing everything in-house. While AI-generated assets may assist in the white-boxing phase, they are not intended for final use in the game. “We are trying to use generated assets to accelerate white-boxing […] we’re talking about basic things to help the level designers,” he stated.

Vincke acknowledged that even AI-generated content requires human alteration, and he personally uses the technology to enhance his communication as a non-native English speaker.

In response to the recent backlash, Larian has sought to clarify its stance on generative AI. Both Vincke and the publishing director have reiterated that the studio’s approach was outlined back in April.

On social media, the publishing director, who previously referred to AI artists as “insufferable,” described the technology as a “tool” that developers can choose to use at their discretion. Vincke also responded to concerns by stating, “we’re not ‘pushing hard’ for or replacing concept artists with AI,” clarifying that AI is used in the early ideation stages as a rough guide, which is then refined into original concept art.

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