Larian Studios Explains Its Application of Generative AI for Next Divinity Game

The developer behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its new project, creating a wave of excitement within the player base. However, follow-up comments from the company's lead designer have added a new dimension to the conversation, addressing the team's philosophy toward machine learning.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a new clarification, the studio's founder explained that the company is employing machine learning for certain preliminary functions. These encompass developing pitch decks, producing rough visual ideas, and writing placeholder copy.

Importantly, Vincke stressed that the shipping material in the game will be authored entirely by real creatives. "We are creating everything in-house," he stated.

Larian is constantly growing our pool of writers and are actively forming dedicated writer rooms.

Given that visual development is being specifically mentioned — we right now have twenty-three visual developers and have positions available for further talent.

Everything we do is supplementary and designed to enabling creatives to spend additional energy on actual creation.

Every AI system used well is additive to a developer's workflow, never a stand-in for their craft.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The news of AI usage originally sparked backlash among a segment of the community. In response, Vincke offered more detail on public forums.

"We use machine learning to gather inspiration, in the same way we use search engines and physical media," he stated. "In the initial ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then swap out with hand-crafted illustrations."

He continued, "We've hired creatives for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to replicate what a AI generates."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had earlier outlined the company's focused method to this technology, categorizing its use into primary pillars:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to rapidly prototype simple models of gameplay ideas to test concepts prior to complete production.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how AI could eventually enhance new forms of player agency, specifically in creating player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He clearly stated that core creative disciplines — including music composition — are are absolutely not departments where the company is reducing artistic input. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these exact positions.

"Larian is not shipping a game with machine-made assets, nor considering reducing teams to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.