Larian Studios Clarifies Its Use of Machine Learning for Next Divinity

The developer behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its upcoming project, creating immense anticipation within the gaming community. However, follow-up remarks from the studio's figurehead have added nuance to the discussion, focusing on the team's approach toward machine learning.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest statement, Larian's director explained that the team is employing machine learning for specific supporting tasks. These include developing presentation materials, producing initial visual ideas, and creating temporary copy.

Crucially, Vincke made clear that the final assets in the game will be created solely by human artists. "We are writing every line in-house," he affirmed.

We are constantly growing our pool of concept artists and are currently forming writing teams.

Since this area is being specifically mentioned — we right now have 23 concept artists and have positions available for additional talent.

Everything we do is supplementary and focused on enabling creatives to spend additional energy on making content.

Every machine learning application applied correctly is a boost to a creative team workflow, not a replacement for their craft.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The admission of AI usage originally sparked concern among a segment of the community. In response, Vincke issued further detail on social media.

"At Larian, we employ AI tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use the internet and physical media," he wrote. "During the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then substitute with authentic illustrations."

He continued, "Our studio recruits artists for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to follow what a AI generates."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had earlier detailed the company's focused method to machine learning, defining its use into three main functions:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to quickly build simple models of gameplay ideas to validate concepts ahead of expensive implementation.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how machine learning could eventually facilitate innovative gameplay, specifically in simulating unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world.

He specifically affirmed that core creative domains — like music composition — are are in no way departments where the studio is reducing human involvement. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these very roles.

"Our studio is neither releasing a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down teams to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.