Larian Studios Clarifies Its Application of Generative AI for New Divinity
The team behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its new project, sparking significant hype within the industry. However, recent comments from the company's lead designer have introduced a new dimension to the conversation, addressing the team's approach toward AI tools.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a latest clarification, Swen Vincke outlined that the company is employing generative AI for particular ancillary purposes. These encompass developing PowerPoint slides, producing initial artistic references, and writing temporary text.
Importantly, Vincke made clear that the end content in the game will be crafted solely by real creatives. "Larian is writing every line manually," he stated.
Our studio is actively expanding our team of storytellers and are currently putting together narrative groups.
Since visual development is being explicitly mentioned — we presently have 23 visual developers and have roles to fill for more artists.
Everything we do is supplementary and focused on letting our team spend more time on making content.
Any machine learning application applied correctly is a boost to a artist's workflow, not a substitute for their craft.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The news of employing this technology at first provoked concern among portions of the fanbase. In response, Vincke issued further elaboration on public forums.
"At Larian, we employ machine learning to research ideas, in the same way we use the internet and art books," he explained. "In the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then substitute with original illustrations."
He added, "Larian brings on artists for their inherent skill, not for their ability to replicate what a machine suggests."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had earlier outlined the team's practical method to machine learning, categorizing its use into key functions:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to quickly build rough models of mechanics to test concepts prior to complete implementation.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how AI could one day enhance new forms of player agency, particularly in creating unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world.
He specifically affirmed that central narrative areas — like writing — are are absolutely not areas where the company is cutting human input. Conversely, Larian is expanding its staff in these precise roles.
"We are neither shipping a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not looking at reducing staff to substitute them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.
