Larian Studios Explains Its Use of Generative AI for Upcoming Divinity

The team behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its next major project, sparking immense hype within the gaming community. However, subsequent comments from the company's lead designer have brought a new dimension to the conversation, addressing the studio's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a recent clarification, Swen Vincke explained that the team is utilizing generative AI for specific preliminary purposes. These include developing pitch decks, producing initial artistic references, and creating temporary dialogue.

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

Larian is continuously increasing our team of storytellers and are actively forming dedicated writer rooms.

As visual development is being explicitly referenced — we currently have 23 concept artists and have positions available for further artists.

All our efforts we do is incremental and aimed at enabling creatives to spend greater focus on making content.

Every ML tool applied correctly is additive to a artist's process, never a stand-in for their skill.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The news of AI usage at first provoked unease among some the player base. In reply, Vincke offered more clarification on public forums.

"We use these tools to explore references, just like we use the internet and reference books," he stated. "During the very early ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then swap out with original concept art."

He noted, "Larian brings on artists for their unique talent, not for their capacity to replicate what a machine suggests."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had in the past outlined the company's targeted approach to AI and ML, defining its use into key functions:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses polishing mocap data, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to quickly build basic models of mechanics to test concepts ahead of full implementation.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how AI could in the future facilitate emergent player agency, specifically in simulating unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.

He explicitly affirmed that core creative disciplines — such as music composition — are are in no way areas where the company is cutting human involvement. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these exact roles.

"We are neither launching a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not planning on trimming down teams to replace them with AI," Vincke summarized.