Larian Studios Explains Its Implementation of AI Tools for New Divinity
The team behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its next major project, sparking immense hype within the gaming community. However, follow-up statements from the company's lead designer have brought clarity to the discussion, focusing on the studio's stance toward AI tools.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a new message, the studio's founder detailed that the team is utilizing generative AI for particular supporting tasks. These involve fleshing out presentation materials, producing initial artistic references, and creating draft dialogue.
Importantly, Vincke stressed that the end content in the game will be authored solely by real creatives. "Larian is creating everything in-house," he said.
Our studio is actively increasing our pool of writers and are currently assembling writing teams.
Since this area is being explicitly mentioned — we currently have over twenty concept artists and have roles to fill for more creatives.
All our efforts we do is supplementary and designed to having people spend greater focus on actual creation.
Any AI system used well is supplementary to a artist's workflow, never a stand-in for their craft.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The revelation of using AI initially generated backlash among some the community. In reply, Vincke offered additional elaboration on online platforms.
"At Larian, we employ these tools to explore references, just like we use search engines and reference books," he wrote. "During the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then swap out with authentic concept art."
He added, "Our studio recruits creatives for their creative vision, not for their willingness to replicate what a algorithm proposes."
Focused Uses for Machine Learning
Vincke had previously broken down the company's practical method to AI and ML, categorizing its use into primary functions:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses polishing mocap data, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
- Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using systems to quickly build simple mock-ups of mechanics to test concepts ahead of complete development.
- Experimental Frontiers: Researching how AI could eventually enhance innovative player agency, particularly in creating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.
He clearly noted that key artistic disciplines — such as visual art — are are absolutely not areas where the company is replacing human input. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these precise fields.
"We are neither shipping a game with machine-made assets, nor looking at reducing teams to replace them with AI," Vincke summarized.