Larian Studios Explains Its Application of Generative AI for Upcoming Divinity

The team behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its upcoming project, generating immense excitement within the gaming community. However, follow-up comments from the studio's co-founder have brought a new dimension to the conversation, touching on the studio's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a recent message, the studio's founder detailed that the company is employing AI technology for particular supporting purposes. These include enhancing pitch decks, creating rough visual ideas, and creating temporary text.

Notably, Vincke stressed that the final content in the game will be authored entirely by human creatives. "Our team is writing everything in-house," he said.

Larian is actively increasing our team of writers and are busily assembling dedicated writer rooms.

Since concept art is being particularly referenced — we presently have over twenty artistic staff and have positions available for more talent.

Each initiative we do is supplementary and designed to enabling creatives to spend more time on actual creation.

Any machine learning application implemented properly is supplementary to a developer's process, not a replacement for their skill.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The revelation of employing this technology originally provoked backlash among some the player base. In reply, Vincke provided further detail on social media.

"At Larian, we employ these tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use search engines and physical media," he wrote. "During the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then substitute with original illustrations."

He added, "Our studio recruits artists for their unique talent, not for their capacity to execute what a machine suggests."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had previously detailed the team's focused strategy to AI and ML, grouping its use into primary pillars:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using systems to quickly build simple versions of scenarios to validate concepts before complete development.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how machine learning could eventually enhance new forms of reactivity, particularly in creating player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He specifically noted that central narrative domains — including music composition — are are in no way areas where the company is reducing creative input. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these very fields.

"Larian is not releasing a game with any AI components, nor looking at reducing creatives to swap them out with AI," Vincke concluded.