Larian Studios Explains Its Implementation of Generative AI for New Divinity Game

The team behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its next major project, generating significant anticipation within the player base. However, follow-up comments from the studio's figurehead have brought a new dimension to the discussion, touching on the studio's philosophy toward generative artificial intelligence.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a recent statement, Swen Vincke outlined that the company is utilizing machine learning for specific supporting functions. These include enhancing pitch decks, producing initial visual ideas, and writing draft copy.

Crucially, Vincke made clear that the final content in the game will be created exclusively by human writers. "Our team is writing everything ourselves," he said.

Larian is constantly expanding our pool of writers and are currently putting together writing teams.

Since visual development is being specifically called out — we right now have 23 visual developers and have roles to fill for additional talent.

All our efforts we do is incremental and aimed at letting our team spend more time on making content.

Every machine learning application implemented properly is supplementary to a creative team routine, not a replacement for their craft.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The admission of using AI initially provoked backlash among a segment of the community. In response, Vincke issued additional elaboration on social media.

"Our team utilizes machine learning to explore references, just like we use the internet and reference books," he stated. "During the very early planning process we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then swap out with hand-crafted artwork."

He noted, "Our studio recruits artists for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to execute what a algorithm proposes."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past outlined the team's practical approach to machine learning, categorizing its use into key pillars:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using tools to speedily create rough mock-ups of mechanics to experiment with concepts before full implementation.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how AI could in the future create innovative gameplay, particularly in simulating unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world.

He explicitly affirmed that central narrative domains — such as writing — are are absolutely not departments where the studio is replacing artistic input. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these very positions.

"Our studio is not releasing a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not considering trimming down creatives to replace them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.