Larian Studios Explains Its Application of Machine Learning for New Divinity

The team behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its new project, generating a wave of hype within the industry. However, subsequent comments from the studio's co-founder have introduced nuance to the discussion, addressing the developer's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a new statement, Larian's director detailed that the developer is utilizing generative AI for particular preliminary functions. These include enhancing pitch decks, producing rough visual ideas, and writing draft text.

Crucially, Vincke stressed that the end material in the game will be created exclusively by real artists. "Our team is developing all the content manually," he said.

Our studio is actively growing our roster of storytellers and are busily putting together narrative groups.

Since this area is being particularly referenced — we currently have 23 concept artists and have roles to fill for further talent.

Each initiative we do is additive and aimed at letting our team spend more time on actual creation.

Every machine learning application implemented properly is a boost to a artist's routine, not a replacement for their skill.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The admission of using AI at first provoked backlash among some the player base. In reaction, Vincke offered more clarification on social media.

"We use machine learning to gather inspiration, similar to we use search engines and reference books," he wrote. "During the conceptual planning process we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then replace with authentic illustrations."

He continued, "Our studio recruits talent for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to follow what a AI generates."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had earlier detailed the studio's focused strategy to this technology, defining its use into primary functions:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using systems to quickly build basic versions of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts prior to complete implementation.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how machine learning could eventually facilitate emergent gameplay, especially in simulating dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.

He specifically affirmed that core creative disciplines — like music composition — are not areas where the company is cutting human talent. On the contrary, Larian is expanding its staff in these precise roles.

"Larian is neither launching a game with any AI components, nor planning on cutting staff to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.