Larian Studios Details Its Application of Machine Learning for Next Divinity Game

The studio behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its next major project, creating a wave of excitement within the player base. However, recent remarks from the studio's co-founder have brought clarity to the conversation, touching on the studio's approach toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a latest clarification, the studio's founder detailed that the developer is employing machine learning for particular preliminary functions. These encompass enhancing presentation materials, producing rough concept art, and creating draft dialogue.

Notably, Vincke stressed that the end assets in the game will be crafted solely by real artists. "We are developing every line manually," he said.

Larian is actively expanding our team of storytellers and are currently putting together writing teams.

Since visual development is being specifically referenced — we right now have twenty-three visual developers and have roles to fill for further creatives.

Everything we do is supplementary and aimed at having people spend more time on the creative process.

Any AI system used well is supplementary to a developer's process, not a replacement for their skill.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The revelation of using AI at first provoked backlash among a segment of the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke issued additional clarification on social media.

"We use AI tools to gather inspiration, similar to we use Google and reference books," he explained. "During the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then substitute with hand-crafted illustrations."

He noted, "Our studio recruits artists for their unique talent, not for their ability to replicate what a algorithm proposes."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had previously outlined the team's practical approach to this technology, categorizing its use into primary pillars:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to quickly build basic versions of scenarios to experiment with concepts before full production.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how machine learning could in the future enhance new forms of player agency, specifically in simulating dynamic reactions in a complex RPG.

He specifically noted that core creative areas — such as music composition — are not areas where the team is reducing human talent. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these precise roles.

"Larian is not releasing a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not looking at reducing staff to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.