Larian Studios Clarifies Its Application of Machine Learning for Upcoming Divinity Game
The team behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its next major project, sparking significant anticipation within the player base. However, recent remarks from the studio's figurehead have added a new dimension to the narrative, focusing on the developer's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a recent message, Swen Vincke explained that the developer is employing machine learning for specific supporting tasks. These include fleshing out presentation materials, producing initial concept art, and creating temporary copy.
Crucially, Vincke made clear that the shipping material in the game will be crafted exclusively by actual writers. "Our team is writing every line in-house," he stated.
We are continuously expanding our pool of storytellers and are busily assembling writing teams.
As visual development is being explicitly called out — we presently have over twenty artistic staff and have roles to fill for more artists.
Each initiative we do is incremental and designed to enabling creatives to spend greater focus on actual creation.
Any ML tool implemented properly is a boost to a creative team workflow, not a substitute for their craft.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The revelation of using AI originally sparked backlash among some the player base. In reply, Vincke issued further detail on online platforms.
"At Larian, we employ these tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use search engines and reference books," he wrote. "In the very early planning process we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then replace with hand-crafted illustrations."
He continued, "Our studio recruits creatives for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to execute what a AI generates."
Focused Uses for Machine Learning
Vincke had in the past outlined the company's focused strategy to machine learning, defining its use into key functions:
- Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like adjusting assets for various species.
- Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to speedily create basic models of scenarios to validate concepts before full implementation.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how machine learning could eventually facilitate innovative player agency, especially in creating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.
He explicitly stated that central narrative disciplines — including writing — are are absolutely not fields where the company is reducing creative involvement. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact fields.
"Larian is neither launching a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down teams to swap them out with AI," Vincke stated definitively.
