Larian Studios Clarifies Its Implementation of Generative AI for New Divinity

The developer behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its new project, generating significant anticipation within the industry. However, subsequent statements from the studio's figurehead have introduced a new dimension to the narrative, focusing on the studio's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a recent clarification, Larian's director explained that the company is utilizing AI technology for particular ancillary tasks. These include fleshing out pitch decks, producing early-stage visual ideas, and writing temporary dialogue.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the shipping assets in the game will be authored solely by real creatives. "Larian is developing all the content in-house," he stated.

Larian is actively growing our team of storytellers and are busily assembling dedicated writer rooms.

Given that concept art is being specifically referenced — we presently have over twenty visual developers and have roles to fill for more artists.

Each initiative we do is incremental and focused on letting our team spend more time on the creative process.

Every ML tool implemented properly is a boost to a developer's routine, not a replacement for their craft.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The revelation of using AI originally provoked concern among portions of the community. In response, Vincke provided more detail on social media.

"We use AI tools to gather inspiration, similar to we use Google and physical media," he stated. "In the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then swap out with hand-crafted concept art."

He noted, "We've hired artists for their inherent skill, not for their ability to execute what a machine suggests."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had in the past outlined the company's practical approach to this technology, defining its use into primary functions:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes refining animations, audio processing, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to speedily create rough models of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts prior to complete implementation.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how AI could in the future create innovative gameplay, specifically in creating unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.

He explicitly stated that key artistic disciplines — like music composition — are are in no way fields where the team is reducing creative input. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these precise positions.

"Larian is not releasing a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not looking at reducing teams to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.