Larian Studios Explains Its Use of Machine Learning for Next Divinity Game
The team behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its upcoming project, generating immense hype within the player base. However, subsequent comments from the company's lead designer have introduced a new dimension to the narrative, addressing the team's approach toward AI tools.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a new clarification, Larian's director detailed that the developer is using generative AI for certain preliminary functions. These encompass enhancing pitch decks, creating initial visual ideas, and drafting placeholder dialogue.
Importantly, Vincke stressed that the end content in the game will be created entirely by human artists. "Larian is developing all the content ourselves," he stated.
Larian is actively increasing our pool of writers and are actively assembling dedicated writer rooms.
As concept art is being specifically mentioned — we right now have over twenty visual developers and have roles to fill for more talent.
All our efforts we do is supplementary and designed to letting our team spend greater focus on making content.
Any AI system used well is additive to a creative team routine, not a substitute for their talent.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The admission of using AI at first generated unease among some the player base. In reaction, Vincke issued additional elaboration on public forums.
"Our team utilizes these tools to gather inspiration, similar to we use the internet and art books," he stated. "In the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then swap out with authentic artwork."
He noted, "Our studio recruits artists for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to follow what a machine suggests."
Three Pillars of Practical Application
Vincke had in the past detailed the studio's targeted method to this technology, grouping its use into key areas:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like polishing mocap data, voice editing, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to quickly build simple models of mechanics to experiment with concepts ahead of expensive development.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Investigating how AI could in the future enhance innovative gameplay, particularly in creating unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.
He clearly affirmed that central narrative disciplines — including visual art — are are in no way departments where the team is cutting creative talent. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact fields.
"We are not releasing a game with machine-made assets, nor planning on reducing staff to swap them out with AI," Vincke stated definitively.
