Larian Studios Details Its Application of AI Tools for Upcoming Divinity Game
The developer behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its upcoming project, sparking significant excitement within the industry. However, recent comments from the studio's figurehead have introduced a new dimension to the narrative, touching on the studio's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a recent clarification, Swen Vincke detailed that the team is employing AI technology for particular preliminary purposes. These involve enhancing presentation materials, creating early-stage visual ideas, and drafting temporary copy.
Crucially, Vincke emphasized that the final material in the game will be crafted entirely by real writers. "Our team is creating every line manually," he stated.
Our studio is continuously increasing our team of storytellers and are currently assembling dedicated writer rooms.
Given that this area is being explicitly referenced ā we presently have over twenty artistic staff and have positions available for additional talent.
All our efforts we do is incremental and designed to letting our team spend more time on the creative process.
Every AI system implemented properly is supplementary to a developer's routine, not a substitute for their skill.
Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent
The revelation of using AI initially provoked backlash among a segment of the community. In reaction, Vincke issued additional detail on public forums.
"At Larian, we employ these tools to explore references, in the same way we use Google and art books," he stated. "During the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then substitute with original concept art."
He continued, "Larian brings on artists for their creative vision, not for their ability to replicate what a algorithm proposes."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had in the past broken down the studio's targeted strategy to machine learning, grouping its use into three main pillars:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to quickly build rough models of scenarios to experiment with concepts ahead of expensive production.
- Experimental Frontiers: Researching how AI could one day facilitate emergent gameplay, particularly in simulating player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.
He clearly noted that core creative domains ā such as writing ā are are in no way fields where the studio is cutting human involvement. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these precise positions.
"Our studio is neither launching a game with AI-generated content, nor planning on cutting creatives to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.
