Larian Studios Clarifies Its Use of AI Tools for New Project
The studio behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its new project, sparking a wave of hype within the gaming community. However, follow-up remarks from the studio's co-founder have added nuance to the conversation, focusing on the team's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a new message, Swen Vincke explained that the developer is utilizing AI technology for particular supporting functions. These encompass enhancing PowerPoint slides, creating early-stage concept art, and drafting placeholder dialogue.
Crucially, Vincke stressed that the final content in the game will be authored entirely by human creatives. "Our team is developing all the content ourselves," he affirmed.
We are actively increasing our pool of storytellers and are busily forming writing teams.
Given that visual development is being particularly mentioned — we right now have 23 artistic staff and have job openings for more talent.
All our efforts we do is additive and aimed at enabling creatives to spend more time on actual creation.
Any AI system implemented properly is supplementary to a artist's process, never a stand-in for their skill.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The revelation of using AI originally provoked backlash among a segment of the fanbase. In response, Vincke issued additional elaboration on social media.
"Our team utilizes machine learning to explore references, in the same way we use Google and art books," he explained. "In the very early ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then swap out with hand-crafted artwork."
He continued, "Our studio recruits artists for their unique talent, not for their capacity to follow what a algorithm proposes."
Three Pillars of Practical Application
Vincke had earlier broken down the company's focused approach to machine learning, grouping its use into key functions:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes polishing mocap data, audio processing, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to quickly build basic models of mechanics to experiment with concepts prior to expensive implementation.
- Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how machine learning could eventually enhance innovative player agency, particularly in creating unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.
He explicitly noted that central narrative areas — including visual art — are not fields where the team is reducing artistic input. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these exact positions.
"Larian is not releasing a game with machine-made assets, nor considering trimming down teams to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.
