Larian Studios Details Its Application of AI Tools for Next Divinity Game
The developer behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its next major project, generating immense excitement within the gaming community. However, follow-up comments from the studio's co-founder have introduced clarity to the discussion, touching on the studio's stance toward AI tools.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a recent message, Swen Vincke explained that the team is employing machine learning for certain ancillary purposes. These involve fleshing out presentation materials, producing rough artistic references, and writing placeholder text.
Crucially, Vincke made clear that the final material in the game will be created solely by real writers. "Larian is creating all the content in-house," he said.
Our studio is actively increasing our roster of storytellers and are actively forming dedicated writer rooms.
Since visual development is being specifically mentioned — we currently have over twenty artistic staff and have positions available for additional talent.
All our efforts we do is supplementary and aimed at letting our team spend greater focus on making content.
Any machine learning application applied correctly is supplementary to a developer's process, not a substitute for their skill.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The revelation of employing this technology originally sparked concern among some the player base. In reaction, Vincke issued further detail on social media.
"We use machine learning to explore references, just like we use the internet and physical media," he stated. "During the very early planning process we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then swap out with hand-crafted illustrations."
He added, "We've hired talent for their unique talent, not for their willingness to execute what a AI generates."
Three Pillars of Practical Application
Vincke had in the past detailed the team's focused strategy to this technology, categorizing its use into key functions:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes refining animations, voice editing, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
- Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using tools to quickly build simple models of mechanics to experiment with concepts before complete production.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how machine learning could eventually enhance emergent player agency, particularly in managing dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.
He explicitly affirmed that core creative disciplines — like writing — are not fields where the team is cutting artistic involvement. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these precise fields.
"We are not shipping a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down staff to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.
