Larian Studios Clarifies Its Application of Machine Learning for New Divinity
The team behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its upcoming project, creating a wave of hype within the gaming community. However, follow-up comments from the company's lead designer have brought clarity to the conversation, touching on the team's philosophy toward AI tools.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a latest message, Larian's director explained that the company is using AI technology for certain ancillary purposes. These encompass enhancing presentation materials, generating early-stage visual ideas, and drafting placeholder copy.
Importantly, Vincke stressed that the end assets in the game will be crafted solely by human writers. "Our team is developing everything in-house," he said.
Our studio is continuously expanding our pool of concept artists and are actively assembling narrative groups.
Since visual development is being specifically mentioned — we right now have twenty-three visual developers and have roles to fill for additional talent.
Each initiative we do is incremental and designed to enabling creatives to spend more time on making content.
Any ML tool used well is additive to a artist's routine, not a substitute for their talent.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The admission of AI usage originally generated concern among some the community. In response, Vincke provided more elaboration on social media.
"Our team utilizes these tools to gather inspiration, similar to we use search engines and art books," he wrote. "In the conceptual planning process we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then swap out with authentic artwork."
He added, "We've hired talent for their unique talent, not for their ability to follow what a AI generates."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had previously detailed the team's targeted approach to this technology, categorizing its use into three main areas:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes polishing mocap data, audio processing, and Larian-specific work like adjusting assets for various species.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to speedily create simple models of mechanics to test concepts prior to expensive implementation.
- Experimental Frontiers: Researching how machine learning could in the future enhance emergent player agency, specifically in simulating player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.
He clearly noted that central narrative areas — including visual art — are not areas where the team is cutting creative involvement. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these precise fields.
"We are not shipping a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not considering reducing staff to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.
