Larian Studios Explains Its Implementation of Generative AI for New Divinity
The studio behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its next major project, creating significant hype within the player base. However, subsequent remarks from the company's figurehead have added clarity to the narrative, focusing on the studio's approach toward machine learning.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a new statement, Swen Vincke outlined that the team is using generative AI for particular preliminary purposes. These involve fleshing out PowerPoint slides, creating initial artistic references, and creating placeholder text.
Notably, Vincke made clear that the shipping content in the game will be crafted exclusively by actual writers. "Our team is developing everything in-house," he affirmed.
Larian is actively increasing our roster of concept artists and are busily putting together writing teams.
Given that concept art is being explicitly referenced — we currently have twenty-three artistic staff and have roles to fill for additional artists.
All our efforts we do is supplementary and focused on letting our team spend greater focus on the creative process.
Every machine learning application used well is additive to a artist's workflow, not a replacement for their talent.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The revelation of using AI at first sparked unease among a segment of the player base. In reply, Vincke provided additional elaboration on online platforms.
"At Larian, we employ AI tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use Google and art books," he wrote. "In the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then substitute with authentic artwork."
He added, "We've hired artists for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to execute what a machine suggests."
Three Pillars of Practical Application
Vincke had previously detailed the company's focused method to this technology, grouping its use into key functions:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to speedily create simple models of gameplay ideas to validate concepts ahead of full development.
- Experimental Frontiers: Exploring how machine learning could in the future enhance innovative gameplay, particularly in simulating dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.
He explicitly stated that key artistic disciplines — including visual art — are not departments where the company is reducing human input. Conversely, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact roles.
"Our studio is neither launching a game with AI-generated content, nor considering cutting teams to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.
