Larian Studios Details Its Implementation of Generative AI for New Project
The studio behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its next major project, creating a wave of anticipation within the player base. However, subsequent remarks from the studio's co-founder have added clarity to the conversation, touching on the studio's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a recent clarification, Swen Vincke explained that the developer is using generative AI for certain supporting tasks. These involve developing pitch decks, creating early-stage artistic references, and writing temporary copy.
Crucially, Vincke stressed that the shipping assets in the game will be created solely by actual artists. "Our team is creating every line manually," he affirmed.
Our studio is constantly increasing our team of writers and are busily putting together narrative groups.
Since visual development is being particularly called out — we currently have twenty-three artistic staff and have job openings for additional creatives.
All our efforts we do is incremental and aimed at enabling creatives to spend more time on actual creation.
Any machine learning application implemented properly is a boost to a creative team process, not a substitute for their talent.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The revelation of AI usage at first sparked backlash among some the player base. In response, Vincke issued more elaboration on online platforms.
"Our team utilizes machine learning to explore references, just like we use Google and reference books," he stated. "In the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then replace with hand-crafted concept art."
He noted, "Larian brings on artists for their unique talent, not for their willingness to execute what a machine suggests."
Three Pillars of Practical Application
Vincke had previously broken down the studio's targeted strategy to AI and ML, grouping its use into three main areas:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to rapidly prototype rough models of scenarios to validate concepts prior to full development.
- Experimental Frontiers: Exploring how machine learning could eventually facilitate innovative reactivity, specifically in simulating dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.
He specifically stated that key artistic disciplines — including music composition — are are absolutely not areas where the studio is reducing human talent. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these exact roles.
"Our studio is neither launching a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not planning on reducing staff to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.
