Larian Studios Clarifies Its Use of Machine Learning for Upcoming Divinity Game

The team behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its next major project, generating a wave of excitement within the gaming community. However, subsequent statements from the company's figurehead have added clarity to the discussion, focusing on the studio's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a recent clarification, Larian's director explained that the team is utilizing machine learning for certain preliminary tasks. These include developing PowerPoint slides, producing rough visual ideas, and drafting placeholder copy.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the end content in the game will be crafted solely by actual creatives. "Larian is creating everything in-house," he affirmed.

Larian is constantly expanding our pool of concept artists and are busily assembling writing teams.

Since visual development is being particularly referenced — we presently have 23 concept artists and have job openings for additional talent.

Each initiative we do is additive and designed to letting our team spend greater focus on making content.

Any machine learning application applied correctly is a boost to a creative team process, not a substitute for their craft.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The revelation of AI usage originally sparked concern among some the community. In reaction, Vincke issued more detail on online platforms.

"We use these tools to research ideas, in the same way we use the internet and reference books," he wrote. "During the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then substitute with authentic artwork."

He noted, "We've hired talent for their creative vision, not for their capacity to follow what a algorithm proposes."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had earlier broken down the studio's practical strategy to AI and ML, categorizing its use into three main functions:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to quickly build simple models of mechanics to test concepts prior to complete development.
• Experimental Frontiers: Exploring how machine learning could one day create new forms of reactivity, particularly in creating player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.

He explicitly affirmed that key artistic disciplines — like writing — are not areas where the studio is replacing artistic involvement. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these precise positions.

"We are not launching a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not considering trimming down staff to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.