Larian Studios Explains Its Application of Generative AI for Upcoming Divinity

The team behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently unveiled its new project, sparking significant anticipation within the player base. However, subsequent remarks from the studio's co-founder have brought clarity to the conversation, addressing the developer's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest statement, Larian's director explained that the company is using generative AI for specific supporting tasks. These encompass fleshing out presentation materials, producing early-stage visual ideas, and creating draft copy.

Notably, Vincke made clear that the end assets in the game will be created solely by real writers. "Larian is creating every line in-house," he stated.

We are constantly growing our team of storytellers and are currently putting together narrative groups.

Since visual development is being particularly referenced — we presently have 23 visual developers and have roles to fill for additional talent.

Each initiative we do is additive and designed to letting our team spend more time on actual creation.

Any ML tool applied correctly is a boost to a creative team routine, never a stand-in for their skill.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The admission of AI usage initially sparked backlash among a segment of the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke provided more elaboration on public forums.

"We use these tools to explore references, just like we use the internet and reference books," he stated. "In the conceptual planning process we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then replace with hand-crafted concept art."

He added, "Larian brings on talent for their creative vision, not for their capacity to follow what a algorithm proposes."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past broken down the team's focused approach to AI and ML, categorizing its use into primary areas:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like adjusting assets for various species.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using systems to speedily create simple mock-ups of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts prior to full production.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how AI could one day create new forms of player agency, specifically in simulating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.

He clearly affirmed that key artistic domains — like music composition — are are absolutely not fields where the company is reducing creative talent. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these exact fields.

"We are not shipping a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not looking at cutting staff to substitute them with AI," Vincke concluded.