Larian Studios Clarifies Its Use of Generative AI for Upcoming Divinity Game

The team behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its next major project, sparking immense anticipation within the industry. However, recent statements from the studio's co-founder have brought nuance to the discussion, touching on the studio's philosophy toward machine learning.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a recent statement, the studio's founder detailed that the company is using generative AI for particular supporting tasks. These involve enhancing presentation materials, creating rough artistic references, and writing draft text.

Notably, Vincke emphasized that the end content in the game will be created entirely by human artists. "Our team is developing everything in-house," he affirmed.

Larian is constantly growing our pool of writers and are currently forming writing teams.

Given that concept art is being particularly referenced — we presently have over twenty visual developers and have job openings for more creatives.

Each initiative we do is additive and aimed at enabling creatives to spend additional energy on actual creation.

Any AI system applied correctly is supplementary to a creative team routine, never a stand-in for their craft.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The news of employing this technology at first sparked concern among portions of the community. In reaction, Vincke provided further detail on public forums.

"Our team utilizes machine learning to explore references, just like we use search engines and physical media," he stated. "During the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then substitute with authentic illustrations."

He continued, "Our studio recruits creatives for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to follow what a AI generates."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had earlier outlined the company's focused approach to AI and ML, categorizing its use into primary functions:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to rapidly prototype basic versions of scenarios to test concepts ahead of complete production.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how machine learning could eventually facilitate new forms of gameplay, specifically in creating player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He explicitly affirmed that central narrative domains — such as writing — are not departments where the company is replacing human talent. Conversely, Larian is expanding its staff in these very positions.

"We are not shipping a game with machine-made assets, nor looking at reducing creatives to swap them out with AI," Vincke concluded.