Larian Studios Explains Its Use of Generative AI for New Divinity Game

The team behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its next major project, generating a wave of anticipation within the player base. However, follow-up statements from the company's co-founder have brought a new dimension to the conversation, touching on the developer's philosophy toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a latest clarification, Larian's director detailed that the team is using AI technology for specific ancillary purposes. These include developing presentation materials, generating rough concept art, and writing draft dialogue.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the end content in the game will be authored solely by real artists. "Our team is developing every line in-house," he stated.

Larian is continuously expanding our roster of concept artists and are busily putting together narrative groups.

Since concept art is being particularly called out — we currently have 23 visual developers and have job openings for additional talent.

Each initiative we do is incremental and designed to letting our team spend more time on making content.

Any AI system implemented properly is additive to a developer's workflow, never a stand-in for their craft.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The admission of employing this technology initially provoked backlash among a segment of the player base. In reply, Vincke issued more detail on online platforms.

"We use machine learning to explore references, in the same way we use the internet and reference books," he stated. "During the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then replace with original concept art."

He continued, "Our studio recruits talent for their inherent skill, not for their ability to replicate what a machine suggests."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had in the past broken down the company's targeted strategy to machine learning, defining its use into primary pillars:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create rough versions of mechanics to test concepts prior to full development.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how machine learning could in the future facilitate emergent reactivity, especially in simulating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.

He clearly affirmed that central narrative disciplines — including visual art — are not areas where the team is cutting creative input. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these exact positions.

"We are neither shipping a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not considering reducing staff to replace them with AI," Vincke concluded.