Larian Studios Explains Its Use of AI Tools for New Divinity Game

The studio behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its new project, sparking a wave of anticipation within the player base. However, recent comments from the company's figurehead have brought a new dimension to the narrative, addressing the studio's philosophy toward AI tools.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a recent message, the studio's founder outlined that the team is employing generative AI for specific preliminary functions. These involve developing pitch decks, generating initial visual ideas, and drafting placeholder text.

Importantly, Vincke stressed that the final assets in the game will be authored solely by human creatives. "Our team is creating everything ourselves," he stated.

We are actively growing our team of writers and are currently assembling narrative groups.

Since concept art is being explicitly mentioned — we currently have twenty-three artistic staff and have positions available for further artists.

All our efforts we do is incremental and designed to having people spend additional energy on the creative process.

Any AI system implemented properly is supplementary to a artist's process, not a replacement for their talent.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The admission of using AI initially sparked backlash among portions of the player base. In reply, Vincke issued additional clarification on online platforms.

"Our team utilizes AI tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use search engines and physical media," he stated. "In the conceptual planning process we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then substitute with authentic artwork."

He noted, "We've hired creatives for their creative vision, not for their ability to execute what a AI generates."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had earlier outlined the studio's focused method to AI and ML, defining its use into three main pillars:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using tools to speedily create simple versions of gameplay ideas to test concepts prior to expensive production.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how AI could one day enhance new forms of gameplay, especially in managing dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.

He specifically affirmed that core creative areas — such as visual art — are not departments where the team is cutting human talent. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these very roles.

"We are neither shipping a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not considering trimming down staff to substitute them with AI," Vincke concluded.