Larian Studios Clarifies Its Application of Generative AI for New Project

The team behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its new project, creating immense hype within the industry. However, follow-up remarks from the studio's figurehead have added clarity to the narrative, focusing on the team's stance toward machine learning.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a recent statement, Larian's director detailed that the company is utilizing machine learning for specific supporting functions. These involve fleshing out pitch decks, creating early-stage concept art, and creating draft text.

Crucially, Vincke emphasized that the shipping material in the game will be authored solely by human artists. "We are creating all the content in-house," he said.

Our studio is constantly expanding our roster of storytellers and are currently forming narrative groups.

Since this area is being particularly called out — we currently have 23 visual developers and have job openings for further talent.

Everything we do is supplementary and focused on letting our team spend greater focus on the creative process.

Every ML tool applied correctly is a boost to a developer's workflow, never a stand-in for their skill.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The admission of AI usage initially provoked unease among some the player base. In reaction, Vincke issued additional detail on online platforms.

"We use machine learning to research ideas, in the same way we use the internet and art books," he wrote. "During the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then substitute with original artwork."

He added, "Larian brings on artists for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to replicate what a algorithm proposes."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had earlier broken down the company's practical method to AI and ML, defining its use into key areas:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to speedily create rough models of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts ahead of complete production.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how machine learning could one day create emergent player agency, especially in managing player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He specifically noted that core creative areas — like writing — are are in no way departments where the company is reducing artistic input. Conversely, Larian is expanding its staff in these very roles.

"Our studio is neither releasing a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down staff to substitute them with AI," Vincke summarized.