Larian Studios Details Its Use of AI Tools for New Project

The studio behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its new project, sparking immense hype within the industry. However, follow-up comments from the studio's figurehead have introduced clarity to the discussion, addressing the studio's philosophy toward machine learning.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a new message, Swen Vincke detailed that the team is using generative AI for particular ancillary purposes. These encompass enhancing presentation materials, creating initial visual ideas, and creating placeholder copy.

Importantly, Vincke stressed that the end content in the game will be crafted entirely by real artists. "Our team is developing all the content ourselves," he affirmed.

We are constantly growing our pool of concept artists and are busily putting together writing teams.

Given that visual development is being particularly referenced — we right now have twenty-three artistic staff and have positions available for further artists.

Each initiative we do is supplementary and focused on letting our team spend greater focus on making content.

Every AI system implemented properly is additive to a creative team workflow, not a substitute for their craft.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The revelation of using AI at first generated backlash among a segment of the player base. In reaction, Vincke offered additional detail on social media.

"Our team utilizes machine learning to research ideas, in the same way we use the internet and physical media," he wrote. "During the initial planning process we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then replace with hand-crafted artwork."

He continued, "Our studio recruits talent for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to follow what a machine suggests."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had earlier broken down the company's practical strategy to this technology, defining its use into primary areas:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using tools to rapidly prototype basic versions of gameplay ideas to test concepts before full implementation.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how AI could in the future enhance innovative player agency, particularly in simulating dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.

He specifically affirmed that central narrative domains — like writing — are not areas where the company is cutting creative involvement. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these precise roles.

"We are neither releasing a game with AI-generated content, nor planning on reducing staff to replace them with AI," Vincke summarized.