Larian Studios Clarifies Its Application of Generative AI for Next Divinity
The developer behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its new project, sparking a wave of excitement within the gaming community. However, recent comments from the studio's lead designer have introduced nuance to the narrative, addressing the team's approach toward AI tools.
AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute
In a latest message, Swen Vincke outlined that the team is utilizing AI technology for particular preliminary purposes. These include enhancing PowerPoint slides, producing early-stage concept art, and drafting temporary copy.
Crucially, Vincke stressed that the shipping content in the game will be authored entirely by real writers. "Larian is creating all the content in-house," he said.
Larian is continuously expanding our team of storytellers and are currently forming dedicated writer rooms.
Given that visual development is being specifically mentioned — we currently have twenty-three concept artists and have job openings for further artists.
All our efforts we do is incremental and designed to having people spend additional energy on making content.
Every machine learning application implemented properly is additive to a developer's workflow, never a stand-in for their talent.
Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent
The news of employing this technology originally generated backlash among some the player base. In response, Vincke offered further elaboration on online platforms.
"We use these tools to gather inspiration, similar to we use Google and reference books," he wrote. "In the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then replace with authentic illustrations."
He noted, "Larian brings on talent for their creative vision, not for their capacity to replicate what a AI generates."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had in the past broken down the team's targeted method to AI and ML, defining its use into three main areas:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using systems to speedily create basic versions of mechanics to validate concepts ahead of complete production.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how AI could one day enhance emergent gameplay, specifically in simulating dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.
He specifically stated that core creative domains — like visual art — are are absolutely not areas where the company is replacing human involvement. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these precise fields.
"Larian is not shipping a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down staff to substitute them with AI," Vincke concluded.
