Larian Studios Clarifies Its Use of AI Tools for Next Divinity Game
The studio behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its next major project, sparking significant hype within the industry. However, follow-up comments from the company's co-founder have introduced clarity to the conversation, touching on the studio's philosophy toward AI tools.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a latest clarification, Larian's director detailed that the developer is employing generative AI for certain ancillary purposes. These encompass developing pitch decks, generating early-stage visual ideas, and drafting placeholder copy.
Importantly, Vincke made clear that the final material in the game will be crafted solely by human writers. "Larian is developing everything in-house," he affirmed.
We are continuously increasing our roster of concept artists and are currently putting together writing teams.
Given that visual development is being specifically referenced — we currently have 23 concept artists and have positions available for additional creatives.
Everything we do is supplementary and designed to letting our team spend greater focus on the creative process.
Every ML tool used well is additive to a developer's workflow, never a stand-in for their craft.
Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent
The revelation of AI usage at first generated unease among a segment of the player base. In reaction, Vincke provided more clarification on online platforms.
"Our team utilizes AI tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use Google and art books," he wrote. "In the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then swap out with hand-crafted concept art."
He noted, "Our studio recruits artists for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to execute what a AI generates."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had earlier broken down the team's targeted strategy to machine learning, categorizing its use into three main functions:
- Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses polishing mocap data, audio processing, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
- Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using systems to speedily create basic models of mechanics to test concepts before full implementation.
- Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how machine learning could in the future create innovative player agency, particularly in creating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.
He specifically noted that key artistic disciplines — such as writing — are are in no way fields where the team is reducing creative involvement. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these very fields.
"Larian is not releasing a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not planning on reducing teams to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.
