Larian Studios Explains Its Application of Generative AI for Upcoming Divinity Game

The developer behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently unveiled its new project, generating immense hype within the industry. However, recent statements from the studio's co-founder have brought nuance to the conversation, touching on the developer's stance toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new message, Swen Vincke outlined that the team is using AI technology for particular preliminary purposes. These include fleshing out pitch decks, creating initial visual ideas, and creating draft text.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the end content in the game will be authored solely by human writers. "Larian is writing all the content ourselves," he said.

Our studio is continuously increasing our team of writers and are busily assembling writing teams.

As this area is being particularly called out — we currently have twenty-three concept artists and have roles to fill for further talent.

Everything we do is incremental and aimed at having people spend additional energy on actual creation.

Any ML tool applied correctly is additive to a creative team process, not a replacement for their talent.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The admission of using AI originally provoked concern among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke issued more clarification on public forums.

"Our team utilizes AI tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use search engines and art books," he explained. "In the very early planning process we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then swap out with authentic concept art."

He continued, "We've hired creatives for their unique talent, not for their willingness to replicate what a machine suggests."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had earlier detailed the company's focused approach to machine learning, categorizing its use into primary pillars:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to speedily create simple versions of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts before expensive implementation.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how machine learning could one day enhance innovative gameplay, especially in simulating dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.

He specifically affirmed that core creative areas — such as writing — are are in no way fields where the studio is replacing artistic involvement. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these exact positions.

"Our studio is not releasing a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not planning on trimming down staff to swap them out with AI," Vincke concluded.