Larian Studios Explains Its Implementation of Machine Learning for Next Divinity Game

The developer behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its next major project, creating a wave of excitement within the player base. However, recent remarks from the company's lead designer have introduced nuance to the narrative, addressing the studio's approach toward AI tools.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a new statement, Larian's director explained that the company is utilizing AI technology for specific supporting purposes. These encompass enhancing presentation materials, producing early-stage visual ideas, and writing temporary copy.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the end material in the game will be authored solely by actual writers. "We are developing all the content in-house," he stated.

Larian is continuously growing our roster of storytellers and are actively forming writing teams.

Given that visual development is being explicitly referenced — we right now have over twenty artistic staff and have job openings for further artists.

Everything we do is additive and focused on having people spend greater focus on actual creation.

Any machine learning application implemented properly is additive to a creative team process, never a stand-in for their craft.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The revelation of AI usage at first generated backlash among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke offered more detail on online platforms.

"Our team utilizes AI tools to research ideas, just like we use search engines and art books," he explained. "In the very early planning process we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then replace with authentic illustrations."

He noted, "Larian brings on creatives for their unique talent, not for their willingness to replicate what a algorithm proposes."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had earlier broken down the studio's focused strategy to this technology, defining its use into three main functions:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses polishing mocap data, audio processing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to speedily create rough mock-ups of gameplay ideas to test concepts ahead of full development.
• Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how machine learning could one day enhance new forms of reactivity, specifically in creating dynamic reactions in a complex RPG.

He clearly affirmed that key artistic areas — including visual art — are are in no way fields where the studio is reducing creative talent. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these very positions.

"Our studio is neither shipping a game with machine-made assets, nor considering cutting teams to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.