Larian Studios Explains Its Application of AI Tools for New Divinity Game
The team behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its next major project, generating immense anticipation within the industry. However, subsequent remarks from the studio's figurehead have introduced clarity to the discussion, focusing on the developer's philosophy toward generative artificial intelligence.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a new message, Larian's director outlined that the developer is employing AI technology for specific supporting purposes. These involve enhancing PowerPoint slides, generating initial concept art, and drafting placeholder copy.
Importantly, Vincke stressed that the end assets in the game will be crafted exclusively by human artists. "Our team is creating every line in-house," he stated.
We are constantly growing our team of concept artists and are busily assembling dedicated writer rooms.
As visual development is being specifically called out — we currently have twenty-three artistic staff and have roles to fill for further talent.
Each initiative we do is supplementary and aimed at enabling creatives to spend more time on making content.
Every AI system implemented properly is supplementary to a artist's process, never a stand-in for their craft.
Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent
The news of employing this technology initially provoked unease among a segment of the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke issued further elaboration on online platforms.
"At Larian, we employ machine learning to explore references, similar to we use Google and art books," he explained. "In the initial planning process we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then replace with original concept art."
He added, "Our studio recruits artists for their creative vision, not for their ability to replicate what a algorithm proposes."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had earlier broken down the company's targeted method to AI and ML, categorizing its use into key functions:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes refining animations, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create rough versions of scenarios to validate concepts ahead of full implementation.
- Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how AI could one day facilitate innovative player agency, specifically in managing player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.
He explicitly noted that key artistic disciplines — like music composition — are are absolutely not departments where the team is cutting creative input. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these very roles.
"Larian is neither shipping a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not planning on trimming down staff to replace them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.
