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

The developer behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its next major project, creating significant anticipation within the gaming community. However, recent statements from the company's lead designer have brought clarity to the narrative, touching on the team's approach toward AI tools.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest message, the studio's founder detailed that the company is utilizing generative AI for specific ancillary functions. These include developing pitch decks, creating rough visual ideas, and creating temporary text.

Notably, Vincke emphasized that the final content in the game will be authored entirely by actual writers. "Our team is creating all the content ourselves," he said.

Larian is actively increasing our pool of storytellers and are actively forming writing teams.

Since visual development is being specifically mentioned — we right now have twenty-three artistic staff and have positions available for additional artists.

All our efforts we do is supplementary and aimed at enabling creatives to spend additional energy on the creative process.

Any ML tool used well is a boost to a creative team workflow, not a substitute for their skill.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The admission of AI usage at first sparked backlash among a segment of the fanbase. In response, Vincke issued further elaboration on public forums.

"At Larian, we employ these tools to gather inspiration, similar to we use search engines and reference books," he stated. "In the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then replace with authentic illustrations."

He added, "We've hired artists for their unique talent, not for their willingness to execute what a AI generates."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had earlier outlined the company's focused approach to this technology, grouping its use into key areas:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like refining animations, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to speedily create basic models of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts prior to full development.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how machine learning could in the future create new forms of reactivity, especially in simulating player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He clearly noted that core creative domains — like music composition — are not departments where the studio is cutting human input. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these very positions.

"We are neither releasing a game with AI-generated content, nor looking at cutting staff to swap them out with AI," Vincke concluded.