Larian Studios Clarifies Its Application of Machine Learning for Upcoming Divinity Game

The team behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its new project, generating immense hype within the player base. However, follow-up remarks from the company's co-founder have brought a new dimension to the narrative, touching on the team's philosophy toward generative artificial intelligence.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a recent message, Swen Vincke explained that the team is utilizing AI technology for particular supporting purposes. These encompass enhancing PowerPoint slides, producing rough artistic references, and creating draft dialogue.

Importantly, Vincke stressed that the final assets in the game will be crafted exclusively by human creatives. "We are creating everything ourselves," he stated.

Our studio is actively growing our pool of writers and are actively assembling narrative groups.

As this area is being explicitly called out — we presently have 23 concept artists and have roles to fill for more artists.

Everything we do is additive and aimed at enabling creatives to spend more time on making content.

Every ML tool applied correctly is supplementary to a artist's process, not a replacement for their craft.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The revelation of employing this technology initially provoked unease among some the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke provided more clarification on social media.

"At Larian, we employ machine learning to gather inspiration, similar to we use the internet and art books," he wrote. "During the initial planning process we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then replace with authentic artwork."

He noted, "We've hired creatives for their inherent skill, not for their ability to follow what a machine suggests."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had earlier detailed the studio's focused approach to machine learning, categorizing its use into key areas:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like polishing mocap data, audio processing, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create basic models of scenarios to test concepts ahead of expensive production.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how AI could one day enhance new forms of player agency, specifically in creating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.

He specifically affirmed that key artistic domains — like music composition — are not areas where the studio is cutting creative talent. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these exact roles.

"Larian is neither launching a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not considering reducing staff to replace them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.