🔗 Share this article Larian Studios Clarifies Its Use of Machine Learning for Next Divinity Game The studio behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its next major project, generating immense excitement within the industry. However, recent comments from the company's lead designer have introduced nuance to the discussion, addressing the studio's philosophy toward machine learning. Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs In a recent message, Larian's director outlined that the team is using generative AI for specific preliminary functions. These encompass enhancing presentation materials, generating rough artistic references, and drafting placeholder dialogue. Notably, Vincke stressed that the final assets in the game will be authored entirely by actual writers. "Larian is developing everything manually," he affirmed. We are constantly growing our pool of writers and are actively putting together dedicated writer rooms. As visual development is being specifically called out — we currently have over twenty artistic staff and have positions available for additional talent. Everything we do is supplementary and aimed at letting our team spend additional energy on making content. Any AI system implemented properly is additive to a creative team workflow, not a replacement for their skill. Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision The revelation of using AI at first sparked unease among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke issued more elaboration on public forums. "We use machine learning to explore references, similar to we use Google and physical media," he explained. "In the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then replace with hand-crafted concept art." He added, "We've hired artists for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to follow what a AI generates." Key Areas of AI Integration Vincke had previously broken down the company's focused strategy to machine learning, grouping its use into primary areas: Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes polishing mocap data, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations. Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to speedily create rough versions of scenarios to test concepts before full production. Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how AI could in the future create innovative gameplay, particularly in creating unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG. He explicitly affirmed that key artistic areas — such as visual art — are not departments where the studio is cutting artistic input. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these precise positions. "Larian is not launching a game with any AI components, nor planning on reducing teams to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.
The studio behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its next major project, generating immense excitement within the industry. However, recent comments from the company's lead designer have introduced nuance to the discussion, addressing the studio's philosophy toward machine learning. Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs In a recent message, Larian's director outlined that the team is using generative AI for specific preliminary functions. These encompass enhancing presentation materials, generating rough artistic references, and drafting placeholder dialogue. Notably, Vincke stressed that the final assets in the game will be authored entirely by actual writers. "Larian is developing everything manually," he affirmed. We are constantly growing our pool of writers and are actively putting together dedicated writer rooms. As visual development is being specifically called out — we currently have over twenty artistic staff and have positions available for additional talent. Everything we do is supplementary and aimed at letting our team spend additional energy on making content. Any AI system implemented properly is additive to a creative team workflow, not a replacement for their skill. Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision The revelation of using AI at first sparked unease among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke issued more elaboration on public forums. "We use machine learning to explore references, similar to we use Google and physical media," he explained. "In the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then replace with hand-crafted concept art." He added, "We've hired artists for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to follow what a AI generates." Key Areas of AI Integration Vincke had previously broken down the company's focused strategy to machine learning, grouping its use into primary areas: Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes polishing mocap data, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations. Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to speedily create rough versions of scenarios to test concepts before full production. Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how AI could in the future create innovative gameplay, particularly in creating unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG. He explicitly affirmed that key artistic areas — such as visual art — are not departments where the studio is cutting artistic input. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these precise positions. "Larian is not launching a game with any AI components, nor planning on reducing teams to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.