Larian Studios Details Its Application of Generative AI for Next Divinity

The studio behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its new project, sparking immense hype within the player base. However, follow-up comments from the studio's co-founder have brought a new dimension to the conversation, focusing on the developer's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest clarification, the studio's founder outlined that the developer is using AI technology for certain ancillary functions. These involve fleshing out PowerPoint slides, creating initial concept art, and writing placeholder text.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the final assets in the game will be created solely by human artists. "Larian is developing every line in-house," he affirmed.

We are actively expanding our pool of storytellers and are currently assembling dedicated writer rooms.

As visual development is being particularly mentioned — we currently have twenty-three concept artists and have roles to fill for additional creatives.

Each initiative we do is additive and aimed at having people spend greater focus on the creative process.

Any AI system applied correctly is supplementary to a creative team routine, never a stand-in for their craft.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of employing this technology at first provoked concern among a segment of the community. In reaction, Vincke issued additional detail on public forums.

"Our team utilizes these tools to gather inspiration, similar to we use the internet and reference books," he explained. "During the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then replace with hand-crafted illustrations."

He noted, "Our studio recruits creatives for their unique talent, not for their ability to execute what a AI generates."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had earlier broken down the team's targeted approach to machine learning, grouping its use into primary functions:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to quickly build rough versions of scenarios to validate concepts prior to expensive production.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Investigating how AI could one day enhance emergent player agency, specifically in managing player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.

He explicitly affirmed that central narrative disciplines — such as writing — are not departments where the company is reducing artistic involvement. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these very fields.

"Our studio is not releasing a game with any AI components, nor considering reducing teams to replace them with AI," Vincke summarized.