Larian Studios Details Its Use of Generative AI for Next Divinity

The team behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its new project, generating immense excitement within the industry. However, subsequent statements from the studio's co-founder have brought a new dimension to the conversation, touching on the developer's approach toward AI tools.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a recent clarification, the studio's founder explained that the team is employing AI technology for specific preliminary purposes. These include enhancing PowerPoint slides, producing initial artistic references, and drafting draft text.

Notably, Vincke made clear that the final content in the game will be authored entirely by actual artists. "Our team is writing everything in-house," he said.

We are constantly growing our roster of concept artists and are currently forming writing teams.

Since this area is being specifically mentioned — we presently have 23 concept artists and have roles to fill for additional talent.

Each initiative we do is supplementary and aimed at having people spend more time on making content.

Any machine learning application used well is supplementary to a artist's routine, not a substitute for their talent.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The revelation of employing this technology at first generated backlash among a segment of the player base. In reaction, Vincke issued further elaboration on public forums.

"Our team utilizes AI tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use search engines and physical media," he wrote. "In the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then swap out with authentic artwork."

He continued, "We've hired artists for their creative vision, not for their capacity to execute what a machine suggests."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past outlined the team's focused method to this technology, grouping its use into primary pillars:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like adjusting assets for various species.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to rapidly prototype simple models of mechanics to test concepts before complete implementation.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how AI could one day enhance emergent player agency, especially in simulating dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.

He clearly stated that central narrative disciplines — like visual art — are are absolutely not departments where the team is reducing human talent. On the contrary, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact roles.

"We are neither shipping a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not considering cutting creatives to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.