Larian Studios Explains Its Implementation of Machine Learning for Next Divinity Game
The developer behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its next major project, sparking a wave of anticipation within the gaming community. However, recent comments from the studio's figurehead have introduced nuance to the narrative, focusing on the developer's stance toward machine learning.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a recent message, Larian's director detailed that the company is using generative AI for particular supporting purposes. These include fleshing out presentation materials, generating early-stage visual ideas, and creating temporary copy.
Importantly, Vincke made clear that the final assets in the game will be crafted entirely by human writers. "Our team is creating all the content manually," he affirmed.
Larian is constantly expanding our roster of storytellers and are actively forming narrative groups.
Given that this area is being specifically called out — we right now have over twenty artistic staff and have positions available for additional artists.
Each initiative we do is supplementary and focused on letting our team spend greater focus on the creative process.
Any ML tool applied correctly is additive to a creative team process, not a substitute for their craft.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The admission of employing this technology initially provoked concern among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke provided further detail on online platforms.
"We use AI tools to explore references, just like we use Google and physical media," he explained. "During the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then swap out with original illustrations."
He continued, "Our studio recruits creatives for their inherent skill, not for their ability to follow what a machine suggests."
Three Pillars of Practical Application
Vincke had earlier detailed the company's focused strategy to machine learning, defining its use into primary functions:
- Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to speedily create rough versions of scenarios to experiment with concepts before expensive production.
- Experimental Frontiers: Researching how AI could in the future create innovative player agency, specifically in managing player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.
He explicitly affirmed that key artistic domains — like writing — are are in no way fields where the team is cutting creative talent. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these very positions.
"Our studio is neither releasing a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not considering reducing staff to swap them out with AI," Vincke stated definitively.
