Larian Studios Explains Its Use of AI Tools for Upcoming Divinity Game
The team behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its next major project, generating a wave of hype within the gaming community. However, follow-up remarks from the company's figurehead have added nuance to the conversation, touching on the studio's approach toward machine learning.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a latest message, Larian's director explained that the developer is employing machine learning for specific preliminary tasks. These involve developing PowerPoint slides, creating rough concept art, and writing temporary dialogue.
Crucially, Vincke stressed that the end material in the game will be created entirely by real writers. "Larian is developing everything ourselves," he stated.
Our studio is constantly growing our pool of concept artists and are currently putting together writing teams.
Given that this area is being specifically mentioned — we right now have twenty-three artistic staff and have roles to fill for more artists.
Everything we do is incremental and focused on letting our team spend more time on actual creation.
Every machine learning application applied correctly is additive to a developer's workflow, not a replacement for their craft.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The revelation of employing this technology at first provoked backlash among some the player base. In response, Vincke issued more detail on online platforms.
"Our team utilizes machine learning to research ideas, in the same way we use Google and art books," he explained. "In the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then substitute with original concept art."
He noted, "Our studio recruits artists for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to follow what a algorithm proposes."
Three Pillars of Practical Application
Vincke had earlier detailed the studio's practical approach to this technology, defining its use into key areas:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to quickly build simple mock-ups of scenarios to validate concepts before full development.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how machine learning could in the future enhance new forms of gameplay, especially in simulating unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.
He specifically affirmed that core creative disciplines — including music composition — are not fields where the team is reducing artistic talent. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these very positions.
"Our studio is neither shipping a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not considering reducing teams to replace them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.
