Larian Studios Details Its Implementation of Generative AI for Next Divinity

The developer behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its new project, generating significant hype within the player base. However, subsequent statements from the company's lead designer have added a new dimension to the narrative, addressing the developer's philosophy toward AI tools.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a new statement, Larian's director outlined that the team is employing machine learning for certain preliminary purposes. These involve developing PowerPoint slides, creating rough visual ideas, and drafting temporary text.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the shipping content in the game will be created solely by actual creatives. "Larian is developing everything ourselves," he affirmed.

We are continuously growing our pool of writers and are currently assembling writing teams.

Since this area is being particularly mentioned — we presently have over twenty visual developers and have job openings for further creatives.

All our efforts we do is additive and designed to letting our team spend additional energy on making content.

Any ML tool implemented properly is additive to a developer's process, not a replacement for their talent.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The admission of employing this technology at first generated backlash among a segment of the community. In reply, Vincke issued further detail on online platforms.

"Our team utilizes AI tools to research ideas, in the same way we use Google and physical media," he stated. "In the very early ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then replace with authentic concept art."

He continued, "Our studio recruits artists for their inherent skill, not for their ability to execute what a AI generates."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had earlier broken down the team's targeted method to AI and ML, categorizing its use into key areas:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses polishing mocap data, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to quickly build simple mock-ups of mechanics to experiment with concepts ahead of expensive development.
• Experimental Frontiers: Exploring how machine learning could in the future enhance emergent player agency, especially in simulating dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.

He clearly affirmed that key artistic areas — like visual art — are not fields where the team is cutting creative input. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these precise fields.

"Larian is not releasing a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not considering cutting staff to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.