Larian Studios Explains Its Application of Generative AI for New Divinity Game

The studio behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its new project, generating significant anticipation within the industry. However, follow-up statements from the studio's lead designer have introduced clarity to the conversation, addressing the developer's philosophy toward machine learning.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a recent statement, the studio's founder outlined that the developer is using machine learning for particular ancillary tasks. These include enhancing presentation materials, generating early-stage concept art, and creating draft copy.

Notably, Vincke made clear that the shipping content in the game will be crafted solely by real artists. "We are creating all the content in-house," he said.

Larian is actively increasing our pool of writers and are actively forming writing teams.

Since visual development is being explicitly mentioned — we currently have over twenty visual developers and have roles to fill for further artists.

Each initiative we do is incremental and designed to having people spend greater focus on making content.

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

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The news of using AI at first sparked backlash among some the player base. In response, Vincke provided further detail on online platforms.

"We use AI tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use the internet and reference books," he stated. "In the initial ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then substitute with original illustrations."

He continued, "Larian brings on artists for their creative vision, not for their capacity to execute what a machine suggests."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had in the past broken down the team's practical method to machine learning, categorizing its use into key functions:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses refining animations, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using tools to quickly build basic mock-ups of gameplay ideas to validate concepts ahead of expensive development.
• Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how AI could eventually facilitate innovative player agency, specifically in managing dynamic reactions in a complex RPG.

He clearly affirmed that core creative areas — including visual art — are are absolutely not fields where the team is cutting creative input. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these exact fields.

"Our studio is neither launching a game with any AI components, nor looking at reducing staff to replace them with AI," Vincke concluded.