Larian Studios Clarifies Its Application of Machine Learning for Upcoming Divinity

The developer behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its upcoming project, sparking significant hype within the gaming community. However, follow-up statements from the company's lead designer have added nuance to the discussion, addressing the developer's philosophy toward machine learning.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a recent statement, Swen Vincke detailed that the company is using AI technology for particular supporting tasks. These involve fleshing out presentation materials, producing initial artistic references, and drafting placeholder text.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the end material in the game will be created exclusively by real artists. "Larian is developing every line in-house," he said.

We are continuously expanding our team of concept artists and are busily putting together dedicated writer rooms.

As this area is being particularly called out — we right now have 23 visual developers and have roles to fill for more creatives.

Each initiative we do is incremental and designed to enabling creatives to spend additional energy on making content.

Any ML tool used well is additive to a developer's process, not a replacement for their talent.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The admission of AI usage originally provoked unease among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke issued further clarification on online platforms.

"We use machine learning to research ideas, similar to we use Google and reference books," he wrote. "In the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then replace with hand-crafted artwork."

He noted, "We've hired creatives for their creative vision, not for their capacity to replicate what a algorithm proposes."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had in the past outlined the team's practical approach to this technology, categorizing its use into three main functions:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using systems to quickly build simple versions of mechanics to experiment with concepts ahead of expensive production.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how AI could one day facilitate new forms of gameplay, specifically in managing unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.

He specifically noted that central narrative domains — including music composition — are are absolutely not fields where the studio is reducing creative talent. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these precise roles.

"Larian is neither releasing a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not planning on trimming down creatives to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.