Larian Studios Explains Its Use of Generative AI for Next Divinity

The studio behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its next major project, creating a wave of excitement within the industry. However, subsequent statements from the company's co-founder have brought nuance to the discussion, addressing the studio's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new clarification, Larian's director explained that the company is employing AI technology for certain preliminary purposes. These encompass enhancing PowerPoint slides, generating initial concept art, and drafting placeholder text.

Notably, Vincke stressed that the end content in the game will be created exclusively by actual artists. "We are writing every line ourselves," he stated.

Our studio is constantly expanding our team of writers and are actively assembling narrative groups.

Given that visual development is being explicitly referenced — we presently have over twenty artistic staff and have roles to fill for further talent.

Each initiative we do is supplementary and designed to enabling creatives to spend additional energy on the creative process.

Any machine learning application implemented properly is supplementary to a developer's process, not a replacement for their craft.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The revelation of AI usage at first generated backlash among a segment of the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke provided further detail on online platforms.

"Our team utilizes these tools to explore references, in the same way we use Google and reference books," he stated. "During the initial planning process we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then replace with original artwork."

He continued, "Our studio recruits creatives for their creative vision, not for their capacity to follow what a AI generates."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had in the past broken down the company's focused approach to this technology, grouping its use into key pillars:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes refining animations, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to rapidly prototype rough versions of scenarios to experiment with concepts prior to complete development.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how machine learning could one day enhance emergent reactivity, particularly in creating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.

He clearly affirmed that central narrative areas — including writing — are are absolutely not areas where the studio is cutting creative talent. On the contrary, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact fields.

"We are not shipping a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down creatives to swap them out with AI," Vincke concluded.