Larian Studios Explains Its Implementation of AI Tools for Upcoming Divinity

The studio behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its new project, creating significant excitement within the industry. However, follow-up remarks from the studio's lead designer have introduced nuance to the discussion, touching on the developer's stance toward machine learning.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a new statement, the studio's founder explained that the company is employing machine learning for specific preliminary purposes. These include enhancing presentation materials, generating initial concept art, and writing draft copy.

Crucially, Vincke made clear that the end assets in the game will be authored solely by actual creatives. "Our team is developing every line manually," he stated.

Our studio is constantly expanding our roster of concept artists and are busily assembling dedicated writer rooms.

Since concept art is being explicitly called out — we presently have twenty-three concept artists and have roles to fill for further creatives.

Everything we do is additive and focused on letting our team spend greater focus on actual creation.

Every machine learning application applied correctly is a boost to a developer's workflow, not a substitute for their talent.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The admission of AI usage initially generated concern among some the player base. In response, Vincke provided further elaboration on online platforms.

"We use machine learning to gather inspiration, in the same way we use the internet and art books," he wrote. "During the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then swap out with original concept art."

He added, "We've hired talent for their inherent skill, not for their ability to replicate what a machine suggests."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had earlier broken down the team's focused approach to machine learning, categorizing its use into three main areas:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes refining animations, audio processing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to rapidly prototype simple mock-ups of gameplay ideas to test concepts before expensive implementation.
• Experimental Frontiers: Exploring how machine learning could in the future create emergent player agency, specifically in managing unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.

He clearly noted that core creative areas — such as writing — are not departments where the company is reducing creative talent. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these exact roles.

"Larian is neither launching a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down creatives to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.