Larian Studios Explains Its Implementation of Machine Learning for Upcoming Project
The developer behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its next major project, generating immense excitement within the gaming community. However, subsequent remarks from the company's co-founder have brought a new dimension to the discussion, focusing on the developer's philosophy toward AI tools.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a new clarification, Larian's director detailed that the team is using AI technology for particular preliminary tasks. These involve enhancing presentation materials, creating rough concept art, and creating draft copy.
Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the shipping material in the game will be authored entirely by human writers. "We are writing every line ourselves," he stated.
Our studio is constantly growing our team of concept artists and are currently forming dedicated writer rooms.
Since this area is being specifically called out — we currently have twenty-three artistic staff and have job openings for additional talent.
Each initiative we do is additive and aimed at letting our team spend more time on actual creation.
Every ML tool used well is a boost to a developer's workflow, not a substitute for their craft.
Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent
The admission of employing this technology initially provoked unease among portions of the community. In reply, Vincke provided more elaboration on social media.
"We use these tools to research ideas, similar to we use search engines and reference books," he wrote. "During the initial ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then replace with authentic illustrations."
He added, "Larian brings on creatives for their unique talent, not for their willingness to follow what a AI generates."
Focused Uses for Machine Learning
Vincke had earlier outlined the studio's targeted approach to this technology, categorizing its use into primary functions:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like polishing mocap data, voice editing, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
- Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to speedily create simple mock-ups of gameplay ideas to test concepts before expensive implementation.
- Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how AI could eventually facilitate new forms of reactivity, particularly in creating dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.
He explicitly stated that central narrative areas — including music composition — are not fields where the studio is cutting artistic talent. On the contrary, Larian is expanding its staff in these very positions.
"Our studio is neither releasing a game with AI-generated content, nor considering cutting teams to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.
