Larian Studios Clarifies Its Use of Machine Learning for Upcoming Divinity Game

The developer behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its next major project, sparking a wave of hype within the gaming community. However, follow-up comments from the studio's figurehead have brought nuance to the conversation, addressing the developer's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a new message, the studio's founder outlined that the company is utilizing AI technology for certain supporting tasks. These include developing PowerPoint slides, generating initial artistic references, and creating draft text.

Crucially, Vincke made clear that the shipping material in the game will be crafted entirely by real writers. "We are developing all the content in-house," he affirmed.

Larian is actively increasing our pool of concept artists and are currently putting together narrative groups.

Given that this area is being specifically mentioned — we right now have 23 concept artists and have positions available for further talent.

All our efforts we do is supplementary and designed to letting our team spend greater focus on the creative process.

Any machine learning application applied correctly is supplementary to a creative team workflow, not a substitute for their craft.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The admission of employing this technology at first provoked backlash among portions of the player base. In reply, Vincke provided additional detail on public forums.

"Our team utilizes machine learning to explore references, just like we use Google and art books," he stated. "In the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then replace with authentic concept art."

He continued, "Larian brings on artists for their unique talent, not for their ability to replicate what a AI generates."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had in the past broken down the company's targeted approach to machine learning, defining its use into key areas:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to quickly build basic mock-ups of gameplay ideas to test concepts prior to expensive development.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how AI could eventually create innovative gameplay, specifically in simulating player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.

He specifically affirmed that key artistic disciplines — like music composition — are are absolutely not departments where the team is cutting creative input. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these exact fields.

"Our studio is neither launching a game with any AI components, nor looking at trimming down creatives to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.