Larian Studios Details Its Implementation of Generative AI for Next Divinity

The team behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its next major project, generating a wave of excitement within the player base. However, follow-up statements from the studio's co-founder have brought clarity to the discussion, addressing the studio's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a recent clarification, Larian's director explained that the developer is using machine learning for certain ancillary tasks. These include developing PowerPoint slides, producing early-stage visual ideas, and drafting placeholder copy.

Crucially, Vincke made clear that the final assets in the game will be crafted solely by human writers. "Larian is writing everything in-house," he stated.

Larian is actively expanding our roster of concept artists and are currently putting together writing teams.

Since concept art is being specifically referenced — we right now have over twenty concept artists and have job openings for further artists.

All our efforts we do is additive and designed to enabling creatives to spend more time on actual creation.

Any ML tool applied correctly is additive to a developer's routine, not a replacement for their talent.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The revelation of employing this technology originally provoked unease among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke provided more clarification on public forums.

"Our team utilizes AI tools to explore references, in the same way we use search engines and reference books," he stated. "During the very early ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then substitute with original illustrations."

He noted, "Our studio recruits talent for their creative vision, not for their capacity to replicate what a AI generates."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had previously outlined the team's targeted method to this technology, defining its use into primary areas:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using tools to speedily create rough models of mechanics to test concepts before full production.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how AI could in the future facilitate new forms of player agency, specifically in managing player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He specifically stated that central narrative areas — including visual art — are are absolutely not fields where the studio is reducing creative involvement. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these very fields.

"Larian is not launching a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not looking at reducing teams to swap them out with AI," Vincke concluded.