Larian Studios Clarifies Its Application of Machine Learning for Upcoming Project

The studio behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its new project, generating a wave of hype within the player base. However, follow-up comments from the company's lead designer have introduced clarity to the narrative, touching on the developer's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest clarification, Swen Vincke detailed that the developer is utilizing machine learning for certain supporting tasks. These include fleshing out pitch decks, generating rough concept art, and drafting draft dialogue.

Crucially, Vincke made clear that the shipping content in the game will be crafted entirely by human creatives. "Larian is writing all the content ourselves," he said.

Larian is actively growing our pool of storytellers and are actively putting together narrative groups.

As concept art is being particularly referenced — we currently have 23 artistic staff and have roles to fill for more artists.

Each initiative we do is supplementary and aimed at having people spend greater focus on actual creation.

Every ML tool used well is a boost to a artist's routine, not a replacement for their skill.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The revelation of employing this technology initially generated unease among some the player base. In reply, Vincke provided more detail on social media.

"Our team utilizes AI tools to explore references, in the same way we use Google and reference books," he wrote. "In the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then swap out with hand-crafted illustrations."

He continued, "Our studio recruits talent for their unique talent, not for their capacity to replicate what a AI generates."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past outlined the studio's practical strategy to this technology, categorizing its use into primary areas:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes refining animations, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to quickly build basic mock-ups of scenarios to experiment with concepts before full implementation.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how machine learning could one day create innovative gameplay, specifically in managing unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world.

He explicitly noted that central narrative areas — like writing — are are absolutely not fields where the company is cutting artistic involvement. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact fields.

"Larian is not shipping a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down staff to substitute them with AI," Vincke summarized.