Larian Studios Clarifies Its Application of AI Tools for Upcoming Divinity

The studio behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its new project, generating immense hype within the gaming community. However, follow-up remarks from the studio's lead designer have brought clarity to the discussion, touching on the team's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest statement, the studio's founder explained that the company is utilizing AI technology for specific ancillary tasks. These involve fleshing out presentation materials, creating rough concept art, and drafting temporary copy.

Notably, Vincke made clear that the shipping content in the game will be authored exclusively by human writers. "Our team is writing everything in-house," he stated.

Larian is continuously growing our roster of storytellers and are currently assembling narrative groups.

As concept art is being particularly mentioned — we presently have 23 artistic staff and have positions available for further artists.

All our efforts we do is incremental and aimed at enabling creatives to spend additional energy on making content.

Any machine learning application applied correctly is supplementary to a creative team process, not a substitute for their talent.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The news of AI usage initially provoked backlash among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke offered more elaboration on public forums.

"Our team utilizes AI tools to research ideas, similar to we use the internet and art books," he wrote. "In the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then swap out with original artwork."

He continued, "Larian brings on talent for their unique talent, not for their capacity to follow what a AI generates."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past broken down the team's focused approach to AI and ML, grouping its use into primary functions:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like polishing mocap data, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to rapidly prototype simple versions of scenarios to validate concepts ahead of full development.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how AI could in the future enhance innovative gameplay, particularly in managing unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.

He specifically noted that central narrative disciplines — such as writing — are are absolutely not areas where the company is cutting artistic input. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these very positions.

"Our studio is not launching a game with machine-made assets, nor looking at trimming down teams to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.