Larian Studios Clarifies Its Application of AI Tools for Next Divinity
The studio behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its next major project, generating significant anticipation within the gaming community. However, subsequent comments from the studio's lead designer have added clarity to the conversation, touching on the team's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a new message, the studio's founder outlined that the developer is employing machine learning for specific preliminary functions. These include fleshing out presentation materials, creating initial artistic references, and writing placeholder dialogue.
Crucially, Vincke stressed that the shipping assets in the game will be created solely by actual creatives. "We are developing every line in-house," he stated.
We are constantly increasing our roster of storytellers and are currently forming narrative groups.
Since visual development is being specifically called out — we currently have over twenty concept artists and have job openings for further creatives.
Everything we do is incremental and aimed at letting our team spend more time on making content.
Every machine learning application applied correctly is supplementary to a creative team process, never a stand-in for their craft.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The admission of AI usage at first sparked unease among some the community. In response, Vincke issued additional clarification on social media.
"We use these tools to explore references, just like we use search engines and physical media," he explained. "During the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then replace with authentic artwork."
He continued, "Larian brings on talent for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to follow what a algorithm proposes."
Focused Uses for Machine Learning
Vincke had earlier broken down the studio's practical strategy to AI and ML, defining its use into three main pillars:
- Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like polishing mocap data, audio processing, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create simple models of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts ahead of complete development.
- Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how AI could one day enhance new forms of reactivity, specifically in simulating unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.
He explicitly noted that central narrative domains — like visual art — are not areas where the studio is cutting human involvement. On the contrary, Larian is expanding its staff in these very fields.
"Larian is neither shipping a game with AI-generated content, nor considering trimming down creatives to replace them with AI," Vincke summarized.
