Larian Studios Explains Its Use of Generative AI for New Divinity Game
The developer behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its next major project, generating significant anticipation within the industry. However, recent comments from the studio's co-founder have introduced clarity to the conversation, addressing the studio's philosophy toward AI tools.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a latest clarification, Swen Vincke detailed that the team is using machine learning for certain ancillary functions. These include enhancing pitch decks, generating initial visual ideas, and drafting placeholder text.
Notably, Vincke stressed that the end content in the game will be created exclusively by real creatives. "We are creating every line ourselves," he stated.
Our studio is actively increasing our pool of concept artists and are busily forming writing teams.
As concept art is being specifically called out — we right now have over twenty concept artists and have roles to fill for further artists.
All our efforts we do is additive and focused on letting our team spend additional energy on making content.
Every ML tool used well is supplementary to a creative team workflow, not a replacement for their craft.
Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent
The admission of employing this technology at first generated unease among portions of the community. In reply, Vincke provided further elaboration on online platforms.
"At Larian, we employ machine learning to gather inspiration, just like we use search engines and reference books," he explained. "During the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then substitute with authentic artwork."
He added, "Our studio recruits creatives for their inherent skill, not for their ability to execute what a AI generates."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had earlier outlined the team's focused strategy to AI and ML, categorizing its use into key functions:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses polishing mocap data, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
- Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using tools to rapidly prototype basic versions of mechanics to test concepts prior to expensive production.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how machine learning could one day enhance innovative reactivity, particularly in simulating unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.
He clearly affirmed that key artistic areas — including visual art — are are absolutely not areas where the company is cutting human input. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these precise fields.
"We are not launching a game with any AI components, nor considering cutting creatives to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.
