Larian Studios Explains Its Application of Generative AI for Next Divinity Game

The developer behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its new project, creating a wave of excitement within the industry. However, follow-up remarks from the company's lead designer have added nuance to the narrative, touching on the team's philosophy toward machine learning.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a latest statement, Swen Vincke outlined that the developer is utilizing AI technology for specific ancillary functions. These include developing pitch decks, creating rough artistic references, and creating placeholder copy.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the shipping material in the game will be crafted solely by real writers. "Our team is creating all the content in-house," he said.

Larian is constantly increasing our roster of concept artists and are busily assembling narrative groups.

As this area is being explicitly mentioned — we right now have over twenty artistic staff and have job openings for additional creatives.

Each initiative we do is supplementary and designed to having people spend more time on the creative process.

Every ML tool implemented properly is supplementary to a developer's process, not a substitute for their craft.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The revelation of using AI initially sparked backlash among some the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke offered additional elaboration on online platforms.

"At Larian, we employ these tools to research ideas, similar to we use search engines and art books," he stated. "In the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then replace with hand-crafted artwork."

He continued, "Larian brings on artists for their unique talent, not for their capacity to follow what a algorithm proposes."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past broken down the studio's focused method to this technology, categorizing its use into primary pillars:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes polishing mocap data, audio processing, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to speedily create basic mock-ups of scenarios to validate concepts before expensive implementation.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how machine learning could in the future facilitate emergent player agency, specifically in creating player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He specifically affirmed that central narrative disciplines — including writing — are are in no way areas where the studio is replacing creative talent. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these precise fields.

"Larian is not releasing a game with AI-generated content, nor planning on trimming down teams to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.