Larian Studios Explains Its Application of Generative AI for Next Project

The developer behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its new project, creating immense anticipation within the player base. However, follow-up statements from the studio's co-founder have introduced clarity to the conversation, addressing the team's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a recent message, the studio's founder outlined that the company is using AI technology for certain supporting purposes. These include developing pitch decks, producing initial visual ideas, and writing placeholder text.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the final content in the game will be created exclusively by real artists. "We are writing all the content manually," he affirmed.

Larian is continuously increasing our team of writers and are actively assembling dedicated writer rooms.

Given that visual development is being explicitly referenced — we presently have twenty-three visual developers and have job openings for more talent.

Each initiative we do is incremental and focused on letting our team spend additional energy on the creative process.

Any machine learning application applied correctly is additive to a artist's process, never a stand-in for their skill.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The admission of employing this technology initially sparked concern among portions of the fanbase. In reply, Vincke provided more elaboration on public forums.

"We use these tools to research ideas, just like we use search engines and art books," he explained. "In the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then swap out with original artwork."

He noted, "Larian brings on artists for their inherent skill, not for their ability to execute what a AI generates."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had previously outlined the studio's practical method to AI and ML, defining its use into key functions:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using systems to rapidly prototype basic versions of mechanics to validate concepts prior to full implementation.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how machine learning could one day facilitate new forms of player agency, particularly in managing dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.

He clearly affirmed that key artistic areas — such as visual art — are are absolutely not areas where the studio is reducing human input. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these precise positions.

"Our studio is not releasing a game with any AI components, nor considering cutting staff to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.