Larian Studios Explains Its Application of AI Tools for New Divinity

The developer behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its upcoming project, generating a wave of hype within the gaming community. However, recent comments from the company's figurehead have brought a new dimension to the discussion, addressing the team's stance toward machine learning.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new clarification, Swen Vincke outlined that the company is employing generative AI for certain preliminary tasks. These include fleshing out pitch decks, generating initial concept art, and drafting temporary text.

Crucially, Vincke emphasized that the shipping content in the game will be crafted solely by actual writers. "We are writing everything manually," he affirmed.

We are actively growing our roster of storytellers and are busily forming writing teams.

Given that this area is being particularly mentioned — we right now have over twenty artistic staff and have job openings for additional creatives.

Everything we do is supplementary and aimed at having people spend greater focus on actual creation.

Every AI system applied correctly is additive to a developer's routine, never a stand-in for their skill.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The revelation of using AI initially sparked unease among some the fanbase. In response, Vincke issued additional detail on public forums.

"Our team utilizes machine learning to research ideas, similar to we use Google and art books," he wrote. "During the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then replace with original illustrations."

He noted, "We've hired creatives for their creative vision, not for their capacity to follow what a machine suggests."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had previously outlined the team's targeted approach to machine learning, grouping its use into key pillars:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like refining animations, audio processing, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to speedily create basic versions of gameplay ideas to validate concepts before complete production.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how AI could one day create innovative reactivity, especially in simulating player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He specifically stated that central narrative areas — like visual art — are not departments where the company is cutting creative talent. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these very fields.

"Larian is not shipping a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not planning on reducing teams to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.