Larian Studios Explains Its Application of Generative AI for Upcoming Project
The team behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its upcoming project, sparking significant excitement within the industry. However, subsequent remarks from the company's figurehead have brought nuance to the conversation, touching on the team's philosophy toward AI tools.
AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute
In a new clarification, Larian's director detailed that the team is employing generative AI for specific ancillary functions. These include enhancing PowerPoint slides, generating initial visual ideas, and creating temporary text.
Crucially, Vincke made clear that the final material in the game will be authored exclusively by human creatives. "Larian is developing every line manually," he said.
Our studio is continuously growing our roster of concept artists and are currently assembling writing teams.
Given that visual development is being explicitly called out — we currently have 23 visual developers and have job openings for further talent.
Each initiative we do is supplementary and focused on enabling creatives to spend additional energy on making content.
Any ML tool used well is a boost to a developer's workflow, not a replacement for their talent.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The admission of employing this technology originally sparked unease among some the community. In reaction, Vincke provided additional detail on public forums.
"We use machine learning to research ideas, similar to we use Google and reference books," he explained. "During the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then swap out with authentic illustrations."
He continued, "Our studio recruits creatives for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to follow what a algorithm proposes."
Three Pillars of Practical Application
Vincke had in the past detailed the company's focused method to machine learning, defining its use into primary areas:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to rapidly prototype basic models of scenarios to validate concepts before expensive production.
- Experimental Frontiers: Researching how AI could one day enhance new forms of gameplay, especially in creating player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.
He explicitly affirmed that key artistic areas — including visual art — are are in no way fields where the team is cutting human involvement. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these exact positions.
"Larian is neither releasing a game with any AI components, nor considering cutting teams to replace them with AI," Vincke concluded.
