Larian Studios Details Its Implementation of Generative AI for Next Divinity Game

The developer behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its next major project, sparking immense hype within the player base. However, follow-up remarks from the company's lead designer have added nuance to the discussion, touching on the team's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest message, Larian's director detailed that the company is employing AI technology for particular ancillary tasks. These include developing pitch decks, producing rough artistic references, and creating placeholder copy.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the end content in the game will be created solely by actual writers. "Larian is writing all the content in-house," he stated.

Our studio is actively growing our team of writers and are currently forming dedicated writer rooms.

As visual development is being particularly mentioned — we presently have over twenty artistic staff and have job openings for more creatives.

All our efforts we do is supplementary and designed to letting our team spend more time on actual creation.

Any machine learning application used well is additive to a developer's workflow, not a substitute for their craft.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The news of employing this technology at first sparked concern among portions of the community. In response, Vincke offered more clarification on social media.

"At Larian, we employ these tools to gather inspiration, just like we use the internet and physical media," he wrote. "In the conceptual planning process we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then swap out with original illustrations."

He continued, "We've hired creatives for their creative vision, not for their ability to execute what a AI generates."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had earlier outlined the team's focused strategy to machine learning, categorizing its use into key areas:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create basic mock-ups of mechanics to experiment with concepts ahead of full development.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how AI could one day enhance new forms of player agency, specifically in managing player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.

He specifically noted that central narrative areas — like visual art — are not departments where the team is cutting creative input. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these very roles.

"Larian is neither shipping a game with any AI components, nor considering cutting teams to swap them out with AI," Vincke summarized.