Larian Studios Clarifies Its Implementation of AI Tools for Next Divinity Game

The developer behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its new project, generating immense hype within the industry. However, subsequent statements from the company's figurehead have brought nuance to the conversation, touching on the developer's stance toward machine learning.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a recent statement, Swen Vincke explained that the team is using machine learning for specific supporting tasks. These involve fleshing out PowerPoint slides, generating rough artistic references, and creating temporary dialogue.

Notably, Vincke stressed that the shipping material in the game will be authored entirely by real creatives. "We are developing every line in-house," he affirmed.

We are continuously expanding our roster of storytellers and are currently forming narrative groups.

Since visual development is being particularly mentioned — we currently have 23 artistic staff and have job openings for further talent.

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

Any ML tool used well is a boost to a creative team workflow, never a stand-in for their skill.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The admission of employing this technology originally sparked concern among portions of the fanbase. In response, Vincke provided further clarification on public forums.

"Our team utilizes these tools to gather inspiration, in the same way 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 authentic artwork."

He noted, "We've hired artists for their inherent skill, not for their ability to replicate what a AI generates."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had in the past broken down the company's focused strategy to this technology, grouping its use into primary areas:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using systems to quickly build simple models of gameplay ideas to validate concepts prior to expensive production.
• Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how AI could one day create emergent reactivity, specifically in simulating player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He clearly noted that central narrative areas — including writing — are not fields where the studio is replacing human involvement. Conversely, Larian is expanding its staff in these precise positions.

"We are neither releasing a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not considering trimming down teams to substitute them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.