Larian Studios Explains Its Application of Machine Learning for New Divinity

The developer behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its upcoming project, sparking a wave of hype within the player base. However, follow-up comments from the studio's co-founder have added clarity to the narrative, addressing the developer's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new message, Swen Vincke outlined that the team is using generative AI for certain preliminary tasks. These include fleshing out pitch decks, creating rough concept art, and writing placeholder dialogue.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the end material in the game will be crafted solely by real artists. "Larian is creating everything ourselves," he affirmed.

Larian is constantly increasing our pool of concept artists and are currently putting together dedicated writer rooms.

Given that visual development is being particularly called out — we presently have over twenty concept artists and have job openings for additional artists.

Each initiative we do is supplementary and focused on having people spend additional energy on the creative process.

Every machine learning application applied correctly is supplementary to a developer's process, never a stand-in for their skill.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The admission of employing this technology initially sparked backlash among portions of the community. In reply, Vincke offered further elaboration on public forums.

"Our team utilizes machine learning to explore references, similar to we use Google and reference books," he wrote. "During the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then replace with hand-crafted illustrations."

He continued, "Our studio recruits talent for their creative vision, not for their ability to execute what a algorithm proposes."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had earlier outlined the company's focused method to AI and ML, categorizing its use into key functions:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to speedily create rough versions of scenarios to test concepts before expensive implementation.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how AI could in the future create innovative player agency, especially in managing player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He explicitly noted that core creative domains — such as writing — are are in no way areas where the company is replacing artistic involvement. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these very fields.

"Larian is neither launching a game with AI-generated content, nor considering cutting creatives to swap them out with AI," Vincke stated definitively.