Larian Studios Details Its Use of Machine Learning for Next Divinity Game
The studio behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its next major project, sparking immense hype within the industry. However, follow-up comments from the company's lead designer have brought a new dimension to the discussion, focusing on the studio's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.
AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute
In a new message, the studio's founder explained that the team is employing machine learning for specific supporting tasks. These encompass developing PowerPoint slides, generating early-stage artistic references, and drafting temporary dialogue.
Importantly, Vincke made clear that the end assets in the game will be crafted exclusively by actual writers. "Our team is developing every line in-house," he said.
Our studio is actively expanding our roster of writers and are actively forming narrative groups.
Since visual development is being explicitly mentioned — we right now have 23 visual developers and have positions available for more creatives.
All our efforts we do is incremental and aimed at having people spend greater focus on actual creation.
Every ML tool applied correctly is additive to a artist's workflow, not a replacement for their talent.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The admission of employing this technology at first generated backlash among portions of the fanbase. In response, Vincke provided additional detail on online platforms.
"Our team utilizes machine learning to gather inspiration, in the same way we use the internet and physical media," he stated. "In the very early planning process we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then replace with authentic illustrations."
He added, "Our studio recruits creatives for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to follow what a AI generates."
Three Pillars of Practical Application
Vincke had earlier broken down the team's targeted strategy to machine learning, defining its use into three main functions:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to quickly build simple versions of mechanics to experiment with concepts before complete production.
- Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how machine learning could in the future create innovative reactivity, specifically in managing dynamic reactions in a complex RPG.
He explicitly noted that key artistic areas — like writing — are are in no way areas where the company is cutting human input. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these very positions.
"We are not shipping a game with any AI components, nor planning on reducing creatives to swap them out with AI," Vincke stated definitively.
