Larian Studios Clarifies Its Implementation of AI Tools for New Project

The studio behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its upcoming project, generating immense anticipation within the player base. However, follow-up statements from the company's co-founder have introduced nuance to the conversation, focusing on the team's stance toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new statement, Swen Vincke explained that the company is utilizing generative AI for certain ancillary tasks. These encompass fleshing out PowerPoint slides, creating initial concept art, and drafting draft copy.

Importantly, Vincke stressed that the final content in the game will be created entirely by actual creatives. "Our team is developing every line manually," he stated.

We are constantly growing our pool of concept artists and are busily forming writing teams.

Since visual development is being specifically mentioned — we currently have 23 concept artists and have positions available for further talent.

Everything we do is additive and designed to enabling creatives to spend greater focus on actual creation.

Any machine learning application implemented properly is supplementary to a artist's workflow, never a stand-in for their talent.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The news of using AI originally generated concern among portions of the player base. In reply, Vincke offered additional elaboration on social media.

"We use these tools to explore references, similar to we use search engines and art books," he stated. "In the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then swap out with original artwork."

He noted, "Larian brings on artists for their creative vision, not for their capacity to execute what a machine suggests."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had previously detailed the studio's focused approach to this technology, categorizing its use into three main areas:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to quickly build basic mock-ups of gameplay ideas to test concepts prior to complete implementation.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how machine learning could eventually create emergent gameplay, specifically in managing dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.

He clearly stated that core creative areas — like visual art — are are in no way departments where the studio is reducing artistic talent. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these exact positions.

"Our studio is not shipping a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not looking at reducing staff to swap them out with AI," Vincke concluded.