Larian Studios Explains Its Use of AI Tools for Upcoming Project
The studio behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its upcoming project, generating a wave of excitement within the gaming community. However, recent comments from the studio's lead designer have introduced a new dimension to the conversation, focusing on the team's approach toward machine learning.
AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute
In a recent message, the studio's founder detailed that the company is utilizing generative AI for certain preliminary functions. These involve fleshing out pitch decks, creating initial artistic references, and writing temporary text.
Importantly, Vincke stressed that the final material in the game will be created solely by human creatives. "Our team is creating all the content ourselves," he said.
We are constantly increasing our roster of concept artists and are currently putting together writing teams.
Since visual development is being explicitly mentioned — we right now have over twenty concept artists and have positions available for more creatives.
Each initiative we do is incremental and focused on letting our team spend more time on the creative process.
Any machine learning application implemented properly is supplementary to a creative team routine, never a stand-in for their skill.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The admission of using AI initially provoked backlash among some the community. In reaction, Vincke issued further detail on public forums.
"Our team utilizes these tools to explore references, similar to we use search engines and reference books," he wrote. "In the initial planning process we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then substitute with authentic artwork."
He noted, "Larian brings on creatives for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to execute what a AI generates."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had previously broken down the team's targeted strategy to machine learning, defining its use into primary pillars:
- Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
- Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using systems to quickly build simple models of scenarios to validate concepts before expensive implementation.
- Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how machine learning could eventually facilitate innovative gameplay, particularly in simulating unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world.
He explicitly affirmed that key artistic areas — such as music composition — are are in no way areas where the company is cutting creative talent. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these exact roles.
"Our studio is neither launching a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not looking at cutting teams to substitute them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.
