🔗 Share this article Larian Studios Explains Its Use of Machine Learning for Next Divinity Game The studio behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently unveiled its next major project, generating a wave of anticipation within the player base. However, subsequent statements from the studio's lead designer have brought clarity to the discussion, touching on the team's approach toward generative artificial intelligence. AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute In a latest statement, Larian's director outlined that the company is using generative AI for particular preliminary functions. These involve developing PowerPoint slides, generating rough concept art, and drafting draft copy. Importantly, Vincke stressed that the end content in the game will be created solely by actual artists. "Our team is developing all the content manually," he said. Our studio is continuously increasing our roster of writers and are currently assembling narrative groups. Since visual development is being specifically called out — we right now have 23 visual developers and have positions available for additional talent. All our efforts we do is additive and aimed at having people spend additional energy on the creative process. Every machine learning application used well is supplementary to a artist's process, not a replacement for their talent. Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent The revelation of using AI initially sparked backlash among some the player base. In response, Vincke provided more clarification on public forums. "We use machine learning to gather inspiration, similar to we use the internet and art books," he wrote. "During the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then substitute with original artwork." He continued, "We've hired creatives for their unique talent, not for their ability to follow what a machine suggests." Key Areas of AI Integration Vincke had previously outlined the studio's focused approach to AI and ML, defining its use into primary pillars: Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations. Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to quickly build simple models of scenarios to experiment with concepts ahead of full development. Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how AI could one day enhance emergent player agency, particularly in creating dynamic reactions in a complex RPG. He clearly noted that key artistic domains — like music composition — are are in no way areas where the company is cutting creative input. On the contrary, Larian is expanding its staff in these very positions. "Larian is not releasing a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not looking at reducing staff to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.
The studio behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently unveiled its next major project, generating a wave of anticipation within the player base. However, subsequent statements from the studio's lead designer have brought clarity to the discussion, touching on the team's approach toward generative artificial intelligence. AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute In a latest statement, Larian's director outlined that the company is using generative AI for particular preliminary functions. These involve developing PowerPoint slides, generating rough concept art, and drafting draft copy. Importantly, Vincke stressed that the end content in the game will be created solely by actual artists. "Our team is developing all the content manually," he said. Our studio is continuously increasing our roster of writers and are currently assembling narrative groups. Since visual development is being specifically called out — we right now have 23 visual developers and have positions available for additional talent. All our efforts we do is additive and aimed at having people spend additional energy on the creative process. Every machine learning application used well is supplementary to a artist's process, not a replacement for their talent. Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent The revelation of using AI initially sparked backlash among some the player base. In response, Vincke provided more clarification on public forums. "We use machine learning to gather inspiration, similar to we use the internet and art books," he wrote. "During the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then substitute with original artwork." He continued, "We've hired creatives for their unique talent, not for their ability to follow what a machine suggests." Key Areas of AI Integration Vincke had previously outlined the studio's focused approach to AI and ML, defining its use into primary pillars: Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations. Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to quickly build simple models of scenarios to experiment with concepts ahead of full development. Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how AI could one day enhance emergent player agency, particularly in creating dynamic reactions in a complex RPG. He clearly noted that key artistic domains — like music composition — are are in no way areas where the company is cutting creative input. On the contrary, Larian is expanding its staff in these very positions. "Larian is not releasing a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not looking at reducing staff to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.