Larian Studios Details Its Use of Generative AI for New Project

The studio behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its new project, generating significant hype within the gaming community. However, recent remarks from the company's co-founder have brought a new dimension to the discussion, touching on the team's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new statement, Swen Vincke explained that the developer is utilizing machine learning for certain supporting functions. These include developing presentation materials, creating initial visual ideas, and drafting temporary text.

Importantly, Vincke stressed that the end assets in the game will be created exclusively by actual creatives. "Larian is developing all the content manually," he stated.

We are continuously expanding our roster of concept artists and are currently forming dedicated writer rooms.

Given that visual development is being explicitly referenced — we presently have twenty-three artistic staff and have positions available for further creatives.

All our efforts we do is additive and designed to having people spend greater focus on making content.

Any ML tool used well is additive to a creative team routine, not a replacement for their skill.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The news of employing this technology originally sparked unease among portions of the fanbase. In response, Vincke issued further clarification on social media.

"At Larian, we employ these tools to gather inspiration, similar to we use search engines and reference books," he explained. "In the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then replace with authentic illustrations."

He added, "Our studio recruits creatives for their creative vision, not for their willingness to execute what a machine suggests."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had in the past broken down the studio's focused approach to AI and ML, categorizing its use into primary functions:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to rapidly prototype rough models of gameplay ideas to validate concepts prior to full development.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how machine learning could in the future create new forms of reactivity, specifically in creating unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.

He clearly affirmed that central narrative disciplines — including music composition — are are absolutely not departments where the team is reducing creative involvement. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these exact fields.

"Larian is not launching a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not planning on trimming down staff to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.