Larian Studios Details Its Use of AI Tools for New Divinity Game
The developer behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its next major project, sparking a wave of hype within the industry. However, recent statements from the studio's lead designer have introduced clarity to the discussion, touching on the studio's philosophy toward AI tools.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a latest clarification, the studio's founder detailed that the company is using AI technology for certain supporting functions. These encompass enhancing PowerPoint slides, generating initial artistic references, and writing temporary copy.
Crucially, Vincke stressed that the end content in the game will be created solely by real creatives. "We are creating everything ourselves," he affirmed.
Larian is continuously increasing our pool of writers and are actively assembling dedicated writer rooms.
Since this area is being specifically referenced — we presently have over twenty artistic staff and have job openings for additional creatives.
Everything we do is supplementary and focused on letting our team spend additional energy on making content.
Any ML tool applied correctly is a boost to a artist's workflow, not a substitute for their talent.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The revelation of using AI originally provoked concern among some the community. In reply, Vincke issued additional elaboration on social media.
"At Larian, we employ AI tools to explore references, in the same way we use Google and reference books," he wrote. "In the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then substitute with authentic artwork."
He continued, "We've hired talent for their unique talent, not for their capacity to execute what a machine suggests."
Three Pillars of Practical Application
Vincke had in the past broken down the studio's targeted approach to AI and ML, defining its use into three main areas:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like polishing mocap data, audio processing, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using tools to speedily create basic mock-ups of gameplay ideas to validate concepts ahead of full implementation.
- Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how AI could one day facilitate new forms of player agency, especially in managing dynamic reactions in a complex RPG.
He specifically affirmed that key artistic domains — such as visual art — are are absolutely not fields where the team is replacing human input. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these very positions.
"Our studio is neither shipping a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not considering trimming down staff to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.
