Larian Studios Clarifies Its Application of Generative AI for Next Project

The developer behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its upcoming project, creating immense anticipation within the gaming community. However, subsequent statements from the studio's co-founder have added a new dimension to the discussion, touching on the developer's approach toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a latest clarification, the studio's founder outlined that the company is using generative AI for specific supporting functions. These involve fleshing out pitch decks, creating initial visual ideas, and writing temporary text.

Notably, Vincke stressed that the final assets in the game will be created entirely by human creatives. "Larian is writing everything ourselves," he affirmed.

Larian is actively growing our team of concept artists and are actively putting together dedicated writer rooms.

Since visual development is being particularly mentioned — we presently have twenty-three concept artists and have roles to fill for more talent.

All our efforts we do is incremental and aimed at having people spend more time on the creative process.

Every ML tool applied correctly is a boost to a creative team workflow, not a replacement for their craft.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The revelation of using AI at first sparked concern among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke offered further detail on public forums.

"We use machine learning to research ideas, just like we use the internet and art books," he stated. "In the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then substitute with hand-crafted illustrations."

He added, "We've hired artists for their creative vision, not for their willingness to follow what a machine suggests."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had previously detailed the company's focused approach to this technology, defining its use into three main areas:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes polishing mocap data, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using systems to speedily create basic versions of gameplay ideas to validate concepts ahead of full implementation.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how machine learning could in the future create innovative gameplay, especially in simulating player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He explicitly noted that core creative areas — like music composition — are are in no way departments where the studio is reducing creative input. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these exact fields.

"Our studio is not shipping a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not considering cutting teams to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.