Larian Studios Details Its Application of Machine Learning for Upcoming Project

The studio behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently unveiled its upcoming project, creating a wave of excitement within the industry. However, follow-up statements from the company's figurehead have added clarity to the discussion, focusing on the team's stance toward machine learning.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a new message, Larian's director outlined that the team is employing generative AI for specific preliminary tasks. These involve enhancing pitch decks, creating rough artistic references, and drafting temporary dialogue.

Notably, Vincke made clear that the final material in the game will be created exclusively by real writers. "We are writing everything manually," he stated.

We are constantly growing our roster of storytellers and are actively assembling dedicated writer rooms.

Since concept art is being particularly called out — we right now have over twenty concept artists and have job openings for further talent.

All our efforts we do is additive and designed to having people spend more time on the creative process.

Any AI system implemented properly is supplementary to a creative team routine, never a stand-in for their talent.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The news of employing this technology at first sparked backlash among a segment of the player base. In reply, Vincke offered additional clarification on public forums.

"We use these tools to explore references, in the same way we use Google and physical media," he explained. "In the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then substitute with authentic concept art."

He continued, "We've hired creatives for their inherent skill, not for their ability to follow what a algorithm proposes."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had previously broken down the team's targeted strategy to this technology, categorizing its use into key areas:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes refining animations, voice editing, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to quickly build basic mock-ups of scenarios to experiment with concepts ahead of full implementation.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how machine learning could in the future create innovative reactivity, particularly in simulating player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He clearly affirmed that key artistic areas — including writing — are are in no way fields where the team is reducing creative talent. Conversely, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact fields.

"Our studio is neither shipping a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down staff to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.