Larian Studios Details Its Application 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 immense anticipation within the industry. However, subsequent comments from the studio's figurehead have introduced a new dimension to the discussion, touching on the studio's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a recent clarification, Swen Vincke detailed that the team is employing machine learning for particular supporting tasks. These include developing presentation materials, creating rough concept art, and creating temporary dialogue.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the end material in the game will be crafted exclusively by actual writers. "Larian is developing all the content in-house," he stated.

Our studio is constantly increasing our pool of writers and are busily forming writing teams.

Since this area is being explicitly called out — we right now have 23 concept artists and have job openings for further artists.

Everything we do is supplementary and designed to enabling creatives to spend greater focus on the creative process.

Any ML tool implemented properly is a boost to a developer's process, never a stand-in for their craft.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The revelation of employing this technology at first sparked unease among portions of the player base. In reaction, Vincke provided additional detail on online platforms.

"Our team utilizes machine learning to research ideas, in the same way we use search engines and physical media," he explained. "During the very early ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then substitute with hand-crafted illustrations."

He added, "Larian brings on talent for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to replicate what a AI generates."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had previously broken down the company's practical strategy to this technology, grouping its use into primary areas:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to speedily create simple versions of gameplay ideas to test concepts ahead of full implementation.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how machine learning could one day enhance emergent player agency, especially in simulating dynamic reactions in a complex RPG.

He explicitly affirmed that core creative areas — like writing — are not areas where the team is replacing creative talent. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these exact fields.

"Larian is neither launching a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not considering trimming down staff to replace them with AI," Vincke summarized.