Larian Studios Details Its Use of Generative AI for New Divinity Game

The studio behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its next major project, generating immense anticipation within the industry. However, recent remarks from the company's co-founder have brought clarity to the narrative, touching on the studio's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a latest message, the studio's founder detailed that the team is using machine learning for particular preliminary functions. These involve enhancing presentation materials, producing initial artistic references, and drafting placeholder dialogue.

Notably, Vincke stressed that the final content in the game will be crafted solely by real artists. "We are developing everything manually," he said.

Our studio is continuously increasing our team of storytellers and are currently putting together dedicated writer rooms.

Since concept art is being particularly mentioned — we currently have 23 concept artists and have job openings for further artists.

All our efforts we do is supplementary and focused on enabling creatives to spend greater focus on making content.

Every AI system applied correctly is a boost to a developer's routine, not a substitute for their talent.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The news of AI usage initially sparked concern among some the player base. In reply, Vincke issued further elaboration on social media.

"We use AI tools to research ideas, just like we use Google and physical media," he explained. "During the very early ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then replace with original concept art."

He added, "Our studio recruits artists for their unique talent, not for their capacity to replicate what a algorithm proposes."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had previously detailed the team's practical strategy to AI and ML, defining its use into primary pillars:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using tools to rapidly prototype simple models of gameplay ideas to test concepts before complete production.
• Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how AI could in the future create emergent gameplay, particularly in creating player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.

He explicitly affirmed that key artistic disciplines — like writing — are not departments where the team is reducing artistic talent. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these precise roles.

"Larian is neither releasing a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not planning on trimming down creatives to replace them with AI," Vincke summarized.