Larian Studios Explains Its Use of Machine Learning for New Divinity Game

The developer behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its next major project, generating immense excitement within the industry. However, subsequent remarks from the studio's lead designer have added clarity to the conversation, addressing the developer's approach toward AI tools.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest clarification, Larian's director outlined that the team is employing generative AI for specific preliminary functions. These include fleshing out presentation materials, producing early-stage visual ideas, and drafting placeholder text.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the end assets in the game will be crafted solely by real artists. "We are creating every line manually," he said.

Larian is actively growing our pool of writers and are actively assembling dedicated writer rooms.

Since visual development is being particularly mentioned — we currently have over twenty visual developers and have positions available for more talent.

All our efforts we do is additive and aimed at enabling creatives to spend more time on making content.

Every ML tool used well is additive to a artist's workflow, not a substitute for their talent.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of using AI initially sparked unease among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke issued additional clarification on public forums.

"We use machine learning to research ideas, similar to we use the internet and reference books," he stated. "In the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then substitute with hand-crafted illustrations."

He added, "Our studio recruits creatives for their unique talent, not for their capacity to execute what a algorithm proposes."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past detailed the company's practical strategy to machine learning, defining its use into key pillars:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like refining animations, audio processing, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to quickly build simple mock-ups of scenarios to experiment with concepts prior to expensive development.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Investigating how AI could eventually enhance innovative player agency, specifically in managing unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.

He explicitly noted that key artistic domains — like writing — are not fields where the team is reducing creative involvement. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these precise fields.

"Larian is neither shipping a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not looking at reducing staff to substitute them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.