Larian Studios Explains Its Implementation of Generative AI for Next Divinity

The developer behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its upcoming project, sparking significant excitement within the gaming community. However, follow-up remarks from the studio's co-founder have introduced clarity to the narrative, touching on the team's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a new message, Swen Vincke explained that the company is using generative AI for certain ancillary tasks. These encompass fleshing out pitch decks, creating early-stage visual ideas, and writing placeholder text.

Notably, Vincke emphasized that the shipping material in the game will be crafted exclusively by human artists. "Larian is writing all the content ourselves," he said.

Larian is continuously increasing our roster of writers and are busily forming narrative groups.

Given that this area is being particularly called out — we presently have twenty-three concept artists and have positions available for more artists.

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

Every ML tool implemented properly is supplementary to a artist's routine, never a stand-in for their talent.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The admission of using AI initially provoked unease among portions of the player base. In response, Vincke offered further detail on social media.

"We use these tools to explore references, similar to we use the internet and physical media," he stated. "During the initial planning process we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then swap out with original concept art."

He added, "Larian brings on talent for their creative vision, not for their willingness to follow what a algorithm proposes."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had earlier outlined the company's practical method to machine learning, grouping its use into primary functions:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes polishing mocap data, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using systems to rapidly prototype basic mock-ups of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts ahead of complete production.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how machine learning could eventually create new forms of gameplay, particularly in creating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.

He explicitly affirmed that key artistic disciplines — like music composition — are not departments where the company is reducing artistic involvement. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these very fields.

"Our studio is neither releasing a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not considering trimming down staff to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.