Larian Studios Clarifies Its Use of AI Tools for New Project
The studio behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its upcoming project, generating immense anticipation within the player base. However, recent remarks from the company's figurehead have introduced a new dimension to the discussion, focusing on the developer's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a new statement, Larian's director detailed that the company is utilizing generative AI for specific preliminary tasks. These involve developing PowerPoint slides, producing initial concept art, and drafting draft copy.
Importantly, Vincke stressed that the end assets in the game will be authored solely by actual writers. "Our team is developing every line ourselves," he stated.
Larian is actively expanding our team of concept artists and are currently forming narrative groups.
Given that this area is being specifically called out — we currently have over twenty concept artists and have job openings for further creatives.
Everything we do is additive and focused on having people spend more time on actual creation.
Every ML tool applied correctly is a boost to a creative team routine, not a substitute for their talent.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The revelation of AI usage originally sparked unease among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke offered additional clarification on online platforms.
"Our team utilizes machine learning to research ideas, similar to we use the internet and physical media," he wrote. "In the very early ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then swap out with original artwork."
He continued, "Our studio recruits creatives for their unique talent, not for their capacity to follow what a AI generates."
Three Pillars of Practical Application
Vincke had in the past detailed the team's focused method to AI and ML, defining its use into three main areas:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to quickly build basic mock-ups of scenarios to experiment with concepts ahead of complete production.
- Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how machine learning could in the future create emergent gameplay, especially in managing dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.
He explicitly noted that core creative disciplines — including music composition — are are absolutely not departments where the company is reducing creative input. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these precise positions.
"We are neither launching a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down creatives to substitute them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.
