Larian Studios Clarifies Its Use of Generative AI for New Divinity Game
The studio behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its next major project, sparking immense hype within the player base. However, follow-up remarks from the company's figurehead have added clarity to the conversation, touching on the developer's philosophy toward machine learning.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a latest message, the studio's founder outlined that the company is using AI technology for certain ancillary functions. These include fleshing out PowerPoint slides, creating early-stage visual ideas, and drafting draft text.
Notably, Vincke made clear that the shipping content in the game will be created entirely by human artists. "Larian is developing every line ourselves," he affirmed.
Larian is continuously growing our roster of storytellers and are currently forming dedicated writer rooms.
Given that this area is being particularly mentioned — we currently have 23 concept artists and have roles to fill for more talent.
Each initiative we do is incremental and aimed at enabling creatives to spend greater focus on actual creation.
Any AI system applied correctly is additive to a artist's process, not a replacement for their skill.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The revelation of using AI initially generated unease among portions of the fanbase. In reply, Vincke provided more clarification on online platforms.
"We use machine learning to explore references, similar to we use Google and art books," he wrote. "In the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then swap out with authentic artwork."
He added, "Larian brings on creatives for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to follow what a AI generates."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had in the past outlined the studio's targeted approach to AI and ML, defining its use into key functions:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
- Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using systems to rapidly prototype basic models of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts ahead of expensive production.
- Experimental Frontiers: Researching how machine learning could eventually enhance emergent gameplay, particularly in creating player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.
He clearly noted that central narrative disciplines — including writing — are are in no way fields where the company is replacing human involvement. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact positions.
"We are not shipping a game with AI-generated content, nor considering cutting staff to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.
