Larian Studios Explains Its Implementation of Generative AI for Upcoming Divinity
The studio behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its next major project, generating immense hype within the industry. However, follow-up remarks from the studio's lead designer have brought a new dimension to the conversation, focusing on the studio's approach toward AI tools.
AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute
In a new message, Larian's director outlined that the developer is employing machine learning for particular supporting functions. These include fleshing out presentation materials, generating early-stage visual ideas, and drafting draft dialogue.
Notably, Vincke stressed that the final content in the game will be crafted solely by actual artists. "Our team is creating all the content ourselves," he stated.
Larian is constantly increasing our pool of writers and are actively assembling dedicated writer rooms.
As visual development is being particularly referenced — we currently have over twenty concept artists and have job openings for additional artists.
Each initiative we do is incremental and focused on enabling creatives to spend more time on the creative process.
Any AI system implemented properly is additive to a developer's routine, not a replacement for their skill.
Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent
The admission of AI usage at first generated concern among portions of the fanbase. In reply, Vincke offered further detail on social media.
"Our team utilizes AI tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use Google and reference books," he explained. "During the initial ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then replace with authentic illustrations."
He noted, "We've hired talent for their unique talent, not for their willingness to replicate what a AI generates."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had in the past detailed the studio's practical method to AI and ML, grouping its use into primary areas:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to quickly build basic models of scenarios to experiment with concepts ahead of complete production.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how machine learning could eventually facilitate new forms of gameplay, specifically in simulating dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.
He clearly stated that key artistic disciplines — like writing — are are in no way departments where the studio is replacing creative input. On the contrary, Larian is expanding its staff in these very fields.
"Larian is not releasing a game with machine-made assets, nor looking at cutting creatives to swap them out with AI," Vincke concluded.
