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

The team behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its upcoming project, creating a wave of anticipation within the gaming community. However, subsequent comments from the studio's lead designer have added nuance to the conversation, focusing on the developer's stance toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new message, Larian's director explained that the developer is employing AI technology for particular supporting purposes. These encompass fleshing out pitch decks, generating early-stage concept art, and creating placeholder copy.

Importantly, Vincke stressed that the end assets in the game will be crafted exclusively by human artists. "We are creating every line manually," he stated.

Our studio is actively increasing our roster of writers and are busily forming narrative groups.

As concept art is being particularly called out — we presently have 23 visual developers and have roles to fill for further artists.

Everything we do is supplementary and designed to having people spend greater focus on actual creation.

Any AI system applied correctly is additive to a creative team workflow, not a replacement for their talent.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The admission of employing this technology initially sparked unease among a segment of the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke provided further elaboration on social media.

"We use machine learning to gather inspiration, in the same way we use the internet and physical media," he explained. "During the initial ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then replace with authentic illustrations."

He added, "We've hired creatives for their unique talent, not for their capacity to follow what a algorithm proposes."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had in the past outlined the company's practical strategy to this technology, grouping its use into primary pillars:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses polishing mocap data, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to rapidly prototype simple mock-ups of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts before full development.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how AI could eventually enhance emergent reactivity, particularly in creating dynamic reactions in a complex RPG.

He specifically stated that central narrative areas — such as visual art — are are absolutely not fields where the company is replacing artistic input. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these precise fields.

"Larian is neither releasing a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not planning on reducing staff to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.