Larian Studios Details Its Application of AI Tools for Next Divinity

The team behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its new project, creating significant excitement within the industry. However, subsequent statements from the studio's figurehead have brought clarity to the conversation, focusing on the studio's philosophy toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a latest clarification, the studio's founder outlined that the team is utilizing machine learning for particular supporting tasks. These include enhancing PowerPoint slides, creating initial visual ideas, and creating draft text.

Notably, Vincke made clear that the final assets in the game will be created entirely by human creatives. "We are developing everything in-house," he affirmed.

We are continuously growing our roster of storytellers and are busily forming dedicated writer rooms.

As this area is being specifically called out — we right now have over twenty artistic staff and have roles to fill for further talent.

All our efforts we do is supplementary and aimed at having people spend additional energy on making content.

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

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The revelation of employing this technology originally sparked backlash among some the player base. In response, Vincke offered additional clarification on social media.

"We use machine learning to explore references, in the same way we use Google and art books," he stated. "In the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then swap out with original artwork."

He added, "We've hired creatives for their unique talent, not for their willingness to execute what a AI generates."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had previously detailed the team's targeted method to this technology, grouping its use into key areas:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses polishing mocap data, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to rapidly prototype basic models of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts before full development.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how machine learning could eventually enhance new forms of gameplay, especially in managing player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He explicitly affirmed that key artistic areas — such as music composition — are are in no way areas where the team is cutting human involvement. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these very positions.

"We are neither releasing a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not planning on trimming down staff to replace them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.