Larian Studios Details Its Use of Machine Learning for New Project
The studio behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its upcoming project, sparking significant hype within the player base. However, follow-up remarks from the studio's lead designer have introduced nuance to the conversation, addressing the team's philosophy toward AI tools.
AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute
In a new clarification, Swen Vincke detailed that the company is utilizing AI technology for specific preliminary purposes. These include developing presentation materials, generating initial visual ideas, and creating temporary copy.
Notably, Vincke made clear that the end content in the game will be crafted exclusively by human writers. "Our team is creating everything manually," he said.
We are constantly expanding our pool of storytellers and are busily assembling dedicated writer rooms.
As concept art is being explicitly called out — we currently have twenty-three visual developers and have job openings for more artists.
Each initiative we do is incremental and aimed at letting our team spend greater focus on making content.
Any ML tool implemented properly is additive to a artist's process, never a stand-in for their craft.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The news of AI usage originally provoked backlash among some the player base. In response, Vincke issued additional clarification on social media.
"At Larian, we employ machine learning to explore references, just like we use Google and art books," he stated. "In the initial ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then substitute with authentic illustrations."
He continued, "We've hired creatives for their unique talent, not for their ability to replicate what a AI generates."
Three Pillars of Practical Application
Vincke had previously outlined the team's practical approach to AI and ML, grouping its use into three main functions:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using tools to rapidly prototype basic versions of scenarios to validate concepts ahead of full production.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Investigating how AI could eventually facilitate emergent player agency, especially in managing unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.
He explicitly noted that central narrative areas — including writing — are are in no way departments where the company is replacing human input. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these precise fields.
"Our studio is not launching a game with AI-generated content, nor planning on reducing creatives to substitute them with AI," Vincke concluded.
