Larian Studios Details Its Application of Generative AI for New Divinity Game
The developer behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its upcoming project, creating significant anticipation within the industry. However, recent comments from the company's figurehead have brought a new dimension to the discussion, addressing the developer's stance toward AI tools.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a new clarification, Larian's director explained that the team is employing machine learning for specific preliminary functions. These encompass developing PowerPoint slides, producing initial artistic references, and writing temporary copy.
Notably, Vincke stressed that the shipping assets in the game will be authored solely by actual writers. "Larian is creating every line ourselves," he affirmed.
Larian is actively expanding our roster of storytellers and are actively forming narrative groups.
Given that concept art is being explicitly referenced — we right now have over twenty visual developers and have positions available for additional artists.
Each initiative we do is supplementary and aimed at enabling creatives to spend additional energy on actual creation.
Every machine learning application implemented properly is additive to a creative team process, not a substitute for their talent.
Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent
The news of using AI at first generated unease among a segment of the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke issued further detail on online platforms.
"Our team utilizes AI tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use the internet and reference books," he explained. "During the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then replace with hand-crafted artwork."
He added, "We've hired creatives for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to follow what a AI generates."
Focused Uses for Machine Learning
Vincke had in the past outlined the team's targeted method to AI and ML, grouping its use into key pillars:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes refining animations, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to quickly build rough mock-ups of mechanics to validate concepts prior to complete development.
- Experimental Frontiers: Exploring how machine learning could one day facilitate emergent gameplay, specifically in simulating dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.
He clearly noted that key artistic disciplines — such as visual art — are are absolutely not fields where the company is reducing human involvement. Conversely, Larian is expanding its staff in these very positions.
"Our studio is neither shipping a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not considering trimming down creatives to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.
