Larian Studios Explains Its Use of AI Tools for Next Divinity

The team behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its new project, sparking significant anticipation within the gaming community. However, follow-up comments from the studio's figurehead have brought nuance to the narrative, touching on the team's philosophy toward generative artificial intelligence.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest clarification, Swen Vincke explained that the company is utilizing AI technology for certain preliminary functions. These encompass developing PowerPoint slides, creating rough concept art, and writing draft dialogue.

Crucially, Vincke made clear that the end material in the game will be created entirely by real writers. "We are writing all the content in-house," he affirmed.

Our studio is constantly growing our pool of writers and are actively assembling writing teams.

As this area is being explicitly called out — we currently have twenty-three visual developers and have job openings for further talent.

All our efforts we do is additive and designed to letting our team spend greater focus on actual creation.

Every machine learning application applied correctly is additive to a creative team workflow, not a substitute for their craft.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The admission of employing this technology originally sparked unease among portions of the fanbase. In reply, Vincke issued more detail on online platforms.

"At Larian, we employ machine learning to explore references, in the same way we use search engines and reference books," he explained. "During the conceptual planning process we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then swap out with authentic artwork."

He added, "Our studio recruits talent for their unique talent, not for their ability to execute what a machine suggests."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had previously detailed the company's practical approach to machine learning, defining its use into key areas:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using tools to quickly build simple versions of scenarios to validate concepts ahead of expensive production.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how AI could in the future facilitate new forms of player agency, especially in managing unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world.

He explicitly affirmed that central narrative areas — such as writing — are not departments where the company is cutting artistic talent. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these very positions.

"We are neither releasing a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not planning on trimming down creatives to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.