Larian Studios Clarifies Its Application of AI Tools for Next Divinity

The team behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its new project, generating immense anticipation within the industry. However, follow-up statements from the company's lead designer have introduced nuance to the discussion, addressing the developer's approach toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new statement, Swen Vincke detailed that the team is utilizing AI technology for particular ancillary purposes. These encompass enhancing pitch decks, creating initial artistic references, and writing temporary text.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the final assets in the game will be authored entirely by real creatives. "Larian is creating all the content ourselves," he affirmed.

Larian is actively expanding our pool of storytellers and are busily forming narrative groups.

Given that visual development is being particularly called out — we right now have 23 concept artists and have positions available for additional artists.

Everything we do is additive and aimed at enabling creatives to spend more time on the creative process.

Any ML tool implemented properly is a boost to a artist's routine, not a replacement for their skill.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The admission of employing this technology originally provoked unease among a segment of the fanbase. In response, Vincke issued further elaboration on online platforms.

"We use AI tools to gather inspiration, just like we use the internet and reference books," he wrote. "During the initial ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then replace with original artwork."

He noted, "Our studio recruits talent for their unique talent, not for their willingness to follow what a algorithm proposes."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had previously broken down the company's practical strategy to this technology, defining its use into primary areas:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to quickly build rough versions of scenarios to experiment with concepts prior to expensive implementation.
• Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how machine learning could in the future facilitate emergent reactivity, specifically in creating unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.

He specifically noted that central narrative disciplines — such as writing — are not departments where the studio is cutting creative involvement. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these very roles.

"Our studio is not launching a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not planning on trimming down staff to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.