Larian Studios Explains Its Implementation of AI Tools for New Divinity Game

The developer behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its next major project, sparking a wave of anticipation within the gaming community. However, follow-up comments from the company's lead designer have added nuance to the narrative, touching on the studio's philosophy toward machine learning.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a new message, Swen Vincke outlined that the developer is utilizing machine learning for certain preliminary tasks. These encompass developing PowerPoint slides, creating initial artistic references, and drafting temporary copy.

Crucially, Vincke made clear that the shipping material in the game will be crafted exclusively by real writers. "Our team is developing everything manually," he stated.

Larian is constantly increasing our team of concept artists and are busily putting together writing teams.

Since visual development is being specifically referenced — we right now have twenty-three artistic staff and have job openings for additional talent.

All our efforts we do is incremental and focused on having people spend greater focus on the creative process.

Any ML tool used well is additive to a developer's process, not a replacement for their talent.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The news of AI usage originally sparked backlash among some the community. In response, Vincke provided more elaboration on public forums.

"Our team utilizes these tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use Google and art books," he wrote. "In the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then swap out with authentic concept art."

He continued, "Larian brings on talent for their inherent skill, not for their ability to follow what a algorithm proposes."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had earlier broken down the studio's focused approach to this technology, categorizing its use into three main areas:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses refining animations, voice editing, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to quickly build simple versions of gameplay ideas to validate concepts prior to expensive production.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Investigating how AI could one day create emergent reactivity, especially in managing player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.

He clearly stated that core creative areas — including music composition — are not departments where the studio is replacing artistic involvement. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these very roles.

"We are neither launching a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not considering reducing teams to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.