Larian Studios Details Its Application of Generative AI for New Divinity

The team behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently unveiled its upcoming project, generating a wave of excitement within the gaming community. However, follow-up statements from the studio's co-founder have added clarity to the discussion, focusing on the developer's stance toward machine learning.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a recent clarification, Swen Vincke detailed that the company is utilizing AI technology for certain ancillary functions. These encompass enhancing pitch decks, creating initial artistic references, and drafting draft copy.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the end material in the game will be crafted exclusively by human writers. "We are writing everything ourselves," he affirmed.

Larian is constantly expanding our team of concept artists and are currently assembling narrative groups.

As concept art is being specifically mentioned — we presently have 23 artistic staff and have roles to fill for additional creatives.

Everything we do is additive and focused on letting our team spend more time on making content.

Any machine learning application implemented properly is additive to a creative team process, not a substitute for their skill.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The news of using AI at first generated unease among a segment of the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke provided further elaboration on public forums.

"Our team utilizes these tools to explore references, just like we use the internet and art books," he wrote. "During the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then swap out with hand-crafted artwork."

He continued, "Larian brings on talent for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to replicate what a AI generates."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had previously broken down the team's practical method to AI and ML, categorizing its use into primary pillars:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using systems to quickly build rough models of scenarios to experiment with concepts before expensive production.
• Experimental Frontiers: Exploring how AI could eventually facilitate emergent player agency, particularly in managing dynamic reactions in a complex RPG.

He clearly stated that central narrative disciplines — including music composition — are not areas where the company is replacing human involvement. Conversely, Larian is expanding its staff in these very positions.

"Our studio is neither releasing a game with any AI components, nor looking at cutting staff to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.