Larian Studios Clarifies Its Implementation of Generative AI for Upcoming Divinity

The team behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its next major project, generating a wave of anticipation within the gaming community. However, recent remarks from the studio's co-founder have introduced nuance to the conversation, focusing on the studio's philosophy toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new statement, Larian's director explained that the developer is employing machine learning for particular supporting purposes. These encompass enhancing pitch decks, producing initial artistic references, and writing placeholder dialogue.

Importantly, Vincke stressed that the final content in the game will be crafted entirely by actual writers. "Our team is creating all the content in-house," he said.

Our studio is constantly increasing our roster of concept artists and are currently forming dedicated writer rooms.

Given that concept art is being specifically mentioned — we currently have twenty-three visual developers and have positions available for more creatives.

Everything we do is incremental and designed to letting our team spend more time on the creative process.

Every machine learning application used well is supplementary to a developer's routine, never a stand-in for their talent.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The admission of using AI at first generated unease among a segment of the community. In reaction, Vincke offered further elaboration on public forums.

"Our team utilizes these tools to research ideas, just like we use the internet and reference books," he stated. "In the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then replace with hand-crafted illustrations."

He added, "Our studio recruits creatives for their creative vision, not for their willingness to replicate what a algorithm proposes."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had earlier detailed the studio's practical strategy to machine learning, categorizing its use into three main functions:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and Larian-specific work like adjusting assets for various species.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using systems to rapidly prototype rough models of mechanics to experiment with concepts prior to full development.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how machine learning could eventually facilitate innovative reactivity, particularly in simulating unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world.

He clearly noted that core creative domains — such as writing — are are absolutely not areas where the studio is replacing creative involvement. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these exact positions.

"Larian is not releasing a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not looking at cutting staff to replace them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.