Larian Studios Clarifies Its Implementation of Generative AI for Upcoming Divinity Game
The studio behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its new project, creating immense hype within the industry. However, subsequent remarks from the company's lead designer have introduced nuance to the conversation, touching on the developer's approach toward AI tools.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a latest message, the studio's founder detailed that the company is employing AI technology for certain ancillary purposes. These involve enhancing presentation materials, producing rough visual ideas, and writing draft dialogue.
Notably, Vincke emphasized that the final content in the game will be crafted solely by real artists. "Our team is writing everything ourselves," he affirmed.
Larian is actively growing our team of storytellers and are busily putting together writing teams.
Since this area is being specifically called out — we presently have over twenty concept artists and have job openings for additional artists.
All our efforts we do is additive and focused on enabling creatives to spend additional energy on the creative process.
Any AI system used well is additive to a creative team routine, not a replacement for their skill.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The revelation of using AI initially sparked backlash among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke offered more elaboration on public forums.
"At Larian, we employ these tools to explore references, similar to we use Google and physical media," he explained. "In the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then substitute with hand-crafted illustrations."
He continued, "We've hired talent for their unique talent, not for their willingness to replicate what a AI generates."
Focused Uses for Machine Learning
Vincke had previously broken down the studio's focused method to machine learning, defining its use into key pillars:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes polishing mocap data, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using systems to rapidly prototype rough versions of scenarios to validate concepts before expensive production.
- Experimental Frontiers: Exploring how AI could eventually facilitate emergent gameplay, particularly in simulating dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.
He specifically stated that core creative disciplines — like writing — are not departments where the team is cutting human involvement. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these precise roles.
"Larian is neither shipping a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down teams to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.
