Larian Studios Details Its Implementation of AI Tools for Next Divinity Game

The team behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its new project, generating immense hype within the player base. However, subsequent statements from the company's co-founder have brought a new dimension to the narrative, addressing the studio's philosophy toward generative artificial intelligence.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest message, Larian's director outlined that the team is utilizing generative AI for specific ancillary purposes. These include enhancing pitch decks, producing rough concept art, and drafting placeholder copy.

Crucially, Vincke emphasized that the shipping content in the game will be authored entirely by actual writers. "We are creating every line in-house," he affirmed.

Larian is actively expanding our roster of storytellers and are actively assembling narrative groups.

Since visual development is being particularly mentioned — we currently have over twenty concept artists and have positions available for further artists.

All our efforts we do is incremental and focused on letting our team spend greater focus on making content.

Every machine learning application applied correctly is additive to a developer's routine, not a substitute for their skill.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The news of AI usage initially generated unease among some the player base. In reply, Vincke offered further clarification on online platforms.

"At Larian, we employ these tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use the internet and physical media," he wrote. "In the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then replace with hand-crafted artwork."

He added, "We've hired creatives for their creative vision, not for their willingness to follow what a AI generates."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had in the past detailed the studio's practical strategy to machine learning, categorizing its use into primary areas:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to speedily create simple versions of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts prior to full implementation.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how machine learning could in the future facilitate emergent gameplay, specifically in managing dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.

He explicitly noted that core creative disciplines — including writing — are not fields where the team is reducing human involvement. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these precise roles.

"We are not launching a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not planning on trimming down creatives to substitute them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.