Larian Studios Details Its Implementation of AI Tools for Upcoming Divinity

The team behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its upcoming project, creating a wave of anticipation within the industry. However, subsequent remarks from the company's figurehead have brought a new dimension to the discussion, focusing on the studio's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a recent message, the studio's founder detailed that the developer is utilizing AI technology for particular supporting purposes. These include developing pitch decks, generating initial concept art, and drafting draft copy.

Importantly, Vincke stressed that the final assets in the game will be authored exclusively by actual creatives. "Our team is developing all the content manually," he affirmed.

Our studio is constantly expanding our roster of writers and are currently forming dedicated writer rooms.

Since concept art is being explicitly called out — we currently have twenty-three visual developers and have positions available for further talent.

Each initiative we do is additive and designed to enabling creatives to spend additional energy on the creative process.

Every machine learning application applied correctly is supplementary to a creative team process, never a stand-in for their skill.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of employing this technology originally provoked concern among a segment of the fanbase. In response, Vincke issued more clarification on social media.

"At Larian, we employ machine learning to explore references, similar to we use search engines and reference books," he explained. "In the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then replace with hand-crafted artwork."

He added, "Our studio recruits creatives for their creative vision, not for their ability to execute what a AI generates."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had in the past detailed the team's focused strategy to this technology, grouping its use into key areas:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to quickly build simple versions of scenarios to validate concepts prior to full implementation.
• Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how machine learning could in the future create innovative reactivity, specifically in simulating unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.

He clearly affirmed that key artistic disciplines — such as writing — are are absolutely not areas where the team is cutting creative input. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these exact fields.

"Our studio is neither launching a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not planning on reducing staff to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.