Larian Studios Explains Its Application of Generative AI for New Divinity

The developer behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its upcoming project, generating significant hype within the gaming community. However, recent statements from the company's lead designer have brought clarity to the discussion, focusing on the studio's philosophy toward AI tools.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a recent clarification, the studio's founder detailed that the company is using AI technology for specific ancillary tasks. These include enhancing pitch decks, creating early-stage concept art, and writing draft text.

Notably, Vincke stressed that the end material in the game will be crafted entirely by real creatives. "Our team is creating every line ourselves," he affirmed.

We are continuously increasing our team of concept artists and are currently assembling dedicated writer rooms.

Since this area is being explicitly referenced — we presently have over twenty visual developers and have positions available for further talent.

Everything we do is incremental and aimed at enabling creatives to spend more time on making content.

Every AI system 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 news of using AI originally provoked backlash among some the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke issued more elaboration on public forums.

"At Larian, we employ AI tools to research ideas, just like we use the internet and art books," he stated. "In the conceptual planning process we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then swap out with hand-crafted illustrations."

He continued, "Our studio recruits creatives for their creative vision, not for their capacity to replicate what a AI generates."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had previously broken down the company's targeted method to AI and ML, grouping its use into primary areas:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to speedily create rough versions of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts ahead of full development.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how machine learning could in the future enhance innovative gameplay, specifically in creating dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.

He specifically stated that central narrative disciplines — including music composition — are are in no way departments where the studio is cutting artistic talent. Conversely, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact roles.

"Our studio is neither releasing a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not considering cutting creatives to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.