Larian Studios Explains Its Implementation of AI Tools for Next Divinity Game
The team behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently unveiled its next major project, sparking immense excitement within the gaming community. However, follow-up comments from the studio's figurehead have brought a new dimension to the discussion, focusing on the studio's approach toward machine learning.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a recent statement, the studio's founder explained that the team is utilizing generative AI for particular ancillary functions. These include fleshing out PowerPoint slides, producing early-stage visual ideas, and writing temporary copy.
Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the end material in the game will be crafted solely by real creatives. "Larian is developing all the content ourselves," he said.
Larian is actively increasing our team of storytellers and are busily putting together writing teams.
As visual development is being particularly called out — we presently have twenty-three visual developers and have job openings for additional creatives.
Everything we do is incremental and aimed at enabling creatives to spend more time on actual creation.
Every AI system applied correctly is additive to a developer's workflow, not a replacement for their skill.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The news of AI usage initially provoked concern among some the community. In reply, Vincke issued further detail on public forums.
"At Larian, we employ AI tools to research ideas, just like we use search engines and art books," he explained. "During the initial ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then swap out with original artwork."
He noted, "We've hired creatives for their creative vision, not for their willingness to replicate what a AI generates."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had previously outlined the studio's practical strategy to this technology, defining its use into primary functions:
- Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to quickly build simple mock-ups of gameplay ideas to test concepts before expensive production.
- Experimental Frontiers: Researching how machine learning could eventually enhance new forms of gameplay, especially in creating unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.
He specifically affirmed that central narrative areas — including music composition — are not departments where the company is replacing creative input. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these precise fields.
"Larian is neither shipping a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not looking at reducing staff to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.
