Larian Studios Clarifies Its Application of Generative AI for Next Divinity

The team behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its upcoming project, generating a wave of hype within the gaming community. However, subsequent remarks from the company's co-founder have added nuance to the narrative, focusing on the studio's stance toward machine learning.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a new clarification, the studio's founder outlined that the developer is employing generative AI for specific supporting tasks. These involve enhancing PowerPoint slides, generating rough artistic references, and creating temporary copy.

Crucially, Vincke made clear that the shipping material in the game will be created entirely by actual writers. "We are developing everything in-house," he affirmed.

Larian is continuously growing our team of concept artists and are actively forming narrative groups.

Since this area is being specifically called out — we right now have twenty-three artistic staff and have roles to fill for further artists.

All our efforts we do is incremental and focused on having people spend additional energy on actual creation.

Every ML tool applied correctly is a boost to a developer's process, never a stand-in for their skill.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The revelation of employing this technology at first sparked concern among a segment of the community. In reply, Vincke issued more detail on public forums.

"We use AI tools to explore references, similar to we use the internet and art books," he stated. "In the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then replace with hand-crafted artwork."

He added, "We've hired artists for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to follow what a algorithm proposes."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had earlier broken down the team's targeted strategy to machine learning, defining its use into key pillars:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adjusting assets for various species.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using tools to rapidly prototype simple mock-ups of gameplay ideas to test concepts prior to full development.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how AI could one day create innovative player agency, specifically in creating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.

He clearly noted that key artistic disciplines — such as visual art — are are absolutely not departments where the studio is replacing creative talent. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these very roles.

"We are not shipping a game with any AI components, nor considering trimming down staff to swap them out with AI," Vincke summarized.