How Was AI Used in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Basty’s Notebook

Hi, everyone! My name is Basty, and I’m a data scientist and educator from Metro Manila. If there’s something I value so much, that is education. Education has allowed me to not only dive into the amazing world of code and data but also to encourage and inspire others to do the same. Read more about me here.

Outside of work and school, I love playing video games like Valorant and League of Legends. I also love listening to Broadway musicals (HAMILTON, DEH, TICK TICK BOOM ALL THE WAY!). Lastly, I LOVE watching Friends, New Girl, HIMYM, and The Big Bang Theory.

Now, let’s take a look at my notebook!

September 2023 Notebook Entry

Unleashing the Magic of Data in Baldur’s Gate 3

Hey there, fellow gamers! Are you a fan of Role-playing Games (RPGs) like Skyrim, The Witcher 3, or Elden Ring? If you’ve been diving into the mystical realms of these games, then you’ve probably heard about Baldur’s Gate 3 lately and been amazed at its stunning gameplay and immersive storytelling. Baldur's Gate 3 is a role-playing video game developed and published by Larian Studios. But have you ever wondered what made the game’s gameplay and storytelling possible? As gamers, it's easy for us to be fully immersed in the game and not realize that beneath the surface of these games lies the world of data science and AI. So, come join me, and let’s embark on a quest to unravel the secrets behind how AI is shaping our gaming experience in the latest installment of Baldur’s Gate 3.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Meets Data

Before we delve into how it's being applied, let’s quickly break down what data science and AI actually are. In RPG games, data science is like the art of wielding powerful spells, but instead of mana, we use data or information. It involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting large amounts of data to extract meaningful insights. AI, on the other hand, is like the wizard who casts spells autonomously or even the Non-Playable Characters (NPCs) that freely roam the game, using algorithms to make decisions without human intervention.

Adaptive Storytelling

In the world of Baldur’s Gate 3, AI, together with immersive storytelling, combines forces to create an epic gaming experience that adapts to your every move. Imagine you’re playing as your character, and you decide to take a shortcut through the Dark Forest. In Baldur’s Gate 3, the game doesn’t just passively accept your decision—it actually actively learns from it using AI. The game’s adaptive storytelling engine analyzes every choice you make and tailors the story to match your decisions—which means every decision you make, there will always be a matching consequence to give you a unique experience every time.

If you’re wondering how this is possible, one of the storytelling magic is powered by AI algorithms, like Natural Language Processing (NLP). NLP is the study of linguistics and computer science used to interpret and comprehend human language with the use of machine learning. NLP helps the game understand the context and sentiment of your interactions, ensuring that NPCs respond in a way that feels natural and immersive.

Another technique being used is classification techniques to help the game make decisions. This could be done by using ensemble techniques such as Decision Trees and Random Forests. For example, these techniques can be used to determine the behavior of NPCs, helping them decide whether to assist, stop, or remain neutral towards your character based on your actions and choices.

AI Dungeon Master

Just like with any great RPG game, there will always be a Dungeon Master. In Baldur’s Gate 3, the AI takes on this crucial role. Like any Dungeon Master, the AI is responsible for controlling the game world—managing NPCs and orchestrating the dynamic events that shape your character’s adventure. Think of it as the ultimate storyteller, world-builder, and game balancer. It takes your choices and actions, which are the data, into a living, breathing narrative, ensuring that every time you play feels like a different adventure.

Data-Driven RPG

In the age of AI, technology just keeps advancing, and we can only expect more exciting developments in the realm of AI within the gaming industry. Imagine a game where NPCs remember your past interactions, environments evolve in real-time, and quests or missions are dynamically being generated based on your behavior inside the game.

Baldur’s Gate 3 isn’t just an RPG game—it’s a testament to how far we’ve come with AI and the incredible possibilities that it can bring to the world of gaming. It’s a reminder that in this ever-evolving landscape, our adventures are limited only by our imagination and the power of algorithms that drive them. So, if you’re interested in AI, data, and gaming, then I invite you to look for opportunities to break into the gaming industry and continue to explore the enchanted world of AI in gaming.

Never stop learning!