Larian Studios Details Its Use of Machine Learning for New Divinity Game

The team behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently unveiled its next major project, generating immense hype within the player base. However, recent comments from the company's figurehead have added nuance to the conversation, touching on the studio's philosophy toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new clarification, Larian's director outlined that the developer is using machine learning for particular preliminary tasks. These involve developing pitch decks, generating early-stage concept art, and drafting placeholder dialogue.

Crucially, Vincke emphasized that the final assets in the game will be created exclusively by human artists. "We are developing all the content ourselves," he stated.

Our studio is constantly growing our team of writers and are actively forming writing teams.

As this area is being particularly mentioned — we presently have 23 visual developers and have roles to fill for more talent.

Everything we do is additive and designed to enabling creatives to spend greater focus on actual creation.

Every AI system applied correctly is supplementary to a creative team process, never a stand-in for their talent.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The revelation of using AI initially sparked unease among portions of the community. In reply, Vincke offered additional clarification on online platforms.

"Our team utilizes AI tools to gather inspiration, just like we use search engines and art books," he wrote. "In the initial planning process we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then replace with authentic concept art."

He added, "Larian brings on artists for their creative vision, not for their willingness to execute what a algorithm proposes."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had earlier detailed the company's practical strategy to AI and ML, categorizing its use into primary functions:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to quickly build simple mock-ups of gameplay ideas to test concepts prior to complete production.
• Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how AI could one day facilitate emergent player agency, specifically in managing unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.

He explicitly stated that key artistic disciplines — like music composition — are are in no way areas where the team is cutting artistic talent. Conversely, Larian is expanding its staff in these precise fields.

"Larian is neither releasing a game with any AI components, nor looking at trimming down teams to replace them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.