Larian Studios Explains Its Use of Machine Learning for New Divinity

The developer behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its new project, sparking a wave of anticipation within the gaming community. However, follow-up statements from the company's figurehead have added a new dimension to the narrative, focusing on the developer's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new message, Larian's director outlined that the developer is employing generative AI for specific preliminary tasks. These involve enhancing PowerPoint slides, generating early-stage concept art, and writing temporary text.

Crucially, Vincke made clear that the shipping content in the game will be authored exclusively by real creatives. "Our team is writing everything in-house," he said.

Our studio is constantly expanding our team of writers and are currently assembling dedicated writer rooms.

As concept art is being particularly mentioned — we currently have 23 concept artists and have positions available for additional creatives.

Everything we do is supplementary and designed to having people spend additional energy on actual creation.

Any AI system used well is additive to a developer's routine, not a replacement for their talent.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The admission of using AI initially sparked unease among portions of the community. In reaction, Vincke provided additional clarification on social media.

"At Larian, we employ machine learning to gather inspiration, in the same way we use the internet and art books," he explained. "During the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then substitute with hand-crafted artwork."

He continued, "Larian brings on talent for their unique talent, not for their capacity to follow what a AI generates."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had earlier broken down the studio's focused strategy to AI and ML, grouping its use into three main functions:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like polishing mocap data, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using systems to speedily create rough models of mechanics to validate concepts ahead of full development.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how machine learning could one day create innovative player agency, especially in simulating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.

He specifically stated that core creative areas — like music composition — are are in no way fields where the team is replacing artistic involvement. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these precise fields.

"Larian is not releasing a game with any AI components, nor planning on cutting creatives to replace them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.