Larian Studios Explains Its Implementation of Machine Learning for Next Divinity
The studio behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its next major project, creating significant excitement within the player base. However, subsequent remarks from the studio's co-founder have brought clarity to the narrative, touching on the team's approach toward AI tools.
AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute
In a latest message, the studio's founder explained that the company is employing machine learning for particular preliminary purposes. These encompass fleshing out pitch decks, generating rough visual ideas, and creating temporary text.
Importantly, Vincke stressed that the end material in the game will be crafted exclusively by human writers. "Our team is creating every line ourselves," he affirmed.
Our studio is actively increasing our pool of writers and are actively forming narrative groups.
Since visual development is being specifically called out — we right now have twenty-three artistic staff and have positions available for further talent.
Each initiative we do is supplementary and designed to having people spend more time on the creative process.
Any ML tool implemented properly is additive to a artist's process, not a replacement for their craft.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The revelation of using AI at first provoked backlash among portions of the player base. In reaction, Vincke offered additional clarification on public forums.
"Our team utilizes these tools to research ideas, in the same way we use Google and physical media," he explained. "In the very early ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then substitute with authentic concept art."
He added, "Larian brings on creatives for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to replicate what a algorithm proposes."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had in the past detailed the studio's focused method to machine learning, grouping its use into three main pillars:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to quickly build basic models of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts before full implementation.
- Experimental Frontiers: Researching how machine learning could one day facilitate new forms of player agency, particularly in simulating dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.
He specifically noted that central narrative disciplines — including visual art — are not areas where the studio is replacing creative talent. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these precise roles.
"Larian is not releasing a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not looking at cutting staff to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.
