Larian Studios Clarifies Its Implementation of Generative AI for Next Divinity Game
The team behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its next major project, sparking significant hype within the industry. However, follow-up remarks from the studio's co-founder have added clarity to the discussion, addressing the team's philosophy toward AI tools.
AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute
In a latest statement, the studio's founder detailed that the team is employing generative AI for specific supporting tasks. These encompass developing PowerPoint slides, creating rough artistic references, and drafting temporary copy.
Notably, Vincke stressed that the shipping material in the game will be crafted solely by real writers. "Larian is developing all the content manually," he stated.
Larian is actively increasing our pool of concept artists and are busily assembling narrative groups.
Since visual development is being specifically mentioned — we currently have twenty-three visual developers and have job openings for additional talent.
All our efforts we do is supplementary and focused on having people spend greater focus on actual creation.
Any machine learning application applied correctly is additive to a developer's workflow, not a replacement for their talent.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The news of employing this technology at first generated unease among portions of the community. In response, Vincke offered more elaboration on social media.
"Our team utilizes AI tools to research ideas, in the same way we use Google and reference books," he explained. "During the initial ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then substitute with authentic concept art."
He added, "We've hired artists for their creative vision, not for their willingness to follow what a algorithm proposes."
Three Pillars of Practical Application
Vincke had in the past outlined the company's targeted approach to AI and ML, grouping its use into key areas:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using systems to rapidly prototype simple models of scenarios to test concepts ahead of full development.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Investigating how AI could eventually create new forms of reactivity, particularly in simulating player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.
He explicitly affirmed that central narrative areas — including writing — are are in no way departments where the company is replacing creative involvement. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these very positions.
"Our studio is neither shipping a game with any AI components, nor considering trimming down creatives to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.