Larian Studios Clarifies Its Use of AI Tools for Next Divinity Game

The team behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its upcoming project, creating a wave of anticipation within the gaming community. However, subsequent comments from the studio's co-founder have brought clarity to the conversation, touching on the studio's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a latest clarification, Swen Vincke outlined that the developer is using generative AI for certain supporting purposes. These include developing PowerPoint slides, creating early-stage artistic references, and writing placeholder copy.

Notably, Vincke emphasized that the shipping assets in the game will be crafted entirely by human creatives. "Larian is creating everything ourselves," he affirmed.

We are actively expanding our roster of writers and are busily putting together writing teams.

As this area is being explicitly mentioned — we presently have twenty-three artistic staff and have positions available for additional talent.

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

Any AI system implemented properly is a boost to a creative team workflow, not a substitute for their skill.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The news of employing this technology at first sparked concern among some the community. In response, Vincke provided additional clarification on public forums.

"We use these tools to research ideas, in the same way we use search engines and physical media," he stated. "In the initial ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then substitute with original concept art."

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

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

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

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses refining animations, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to quickly build basic mock-ups of gameplay ideas to test concepts before expensive development.
• Experimental Frontiers: Exploring how machine learning could in the future facilitate emergent reactivity, especially in managing player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.

He clearly affirmed that core creative disciplines — such as writing — are are absolutely not fields where the company is reducing human talent. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these precise roles.

"Our studio is neither shipping a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not planning on trimming down staff to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.