Larian Studios Clarifies Its Use of Generative AI for Upcoming Project

The studio behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its new project, generating significant anticipation within the industry. However, follow-up comments from the company's lead designer have brought clarity to the conversation, focusing on the team's philosophy toward machine learning.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a latest message, the studio's founder explained that the developer is utilizing machine learning for certain supporting functions. These encompass enhancing pitch decks, producing initial artistic references, and creating placeholder text.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the end content in the game will be created solely by actual creatives. "Our team is developing everything manually," he said.

Our studio is constantly increasing our pool of concept artists and are currently assembling dedicated writer rooms.

Given that concept art is being specifically called out — we currently have 23 visual developers and have job openings for additional creatives.

Everything we do is supplementary and focused on enabling creatives to spend additional energy on actual creation.

Every machine learning application used well is supplementary to a creative team routine, not a substitute for their craft.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of employing this technology initially generated unease among a segment of the community. In reply, Vincke provided additional elaboration on online platforms.

"At Larian, we employ AI tools to explore references, in the same way we use the internet and art books," he wrote. "In the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then substitute with hand-crafted artwork."

He continued, "We've hired creatives for their unique talent, not for their capacity to replicate what a AI generates."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had earlier detailed the company's targeted approach to AI and ML, categorizing its use into three main functions:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using systems to speedily create basic versions of scenarios to validate concepts before full implementation.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Investigating how machine learning could in the future enhance new forms of player agency, specifically in creating unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world.

He explicitly noted that key artistic disciplines — such as music composition — are are in no way areas where the studio is reducing artistic involvement. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these very positions.

"Larian is neither launching a game with any AI components, nor planning on reducing creatives to swap them out with AI," Vincke concluded.