Larian Studios Details Its Implementation of Machine Learning for Upcoming Project

The team behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its new project, creating immense hype within the gaming community. However, recent comments from the company's figurehead have added nuance to the conversation, touching on the team's philosophy toward generative artificial intelligence.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest clarification, the studio's founder outlined that the company is utilizing machine learning for specific preliminary purposes. These include enhancing presentation materials, producing initial concept art, and creating temporary copy.

Notably, Vincke stressed that the end material in the game will be created exclusively by real writers. "Our team is developing everything in-house," he stated.

We are constantly expanding our pool of concept artists and are currently forming narrative groups.

As concept art is being specifically called out — we right now have 23 concept artists and have roles to fill for more talent.

Each initiative we do is additive and designed to letting our team spend greater focus on actual creation.

Every AI system applied correctly is additive to a developer's process, never a stand-in for their skill.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The news of employing this technology originally provoked concern among a segment of the player base. In reply, Vincke issued additional elaboration on social media.

"At Larian, we employ machine learning to explore references, just like we use the internet and art books," he wrote. "In the initial planning process we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then swap out with original illustrations."

He noted, "Our studio recruits artists for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to follow what a algorithm proposes."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had previously detailed the studio's practical strategy to AI and ML, grouping its use into primary areas:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to speedily create basic mock-ups of mechanics to test concepts before complete production.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how machine learning could in the future create innovative gameplay, specifically in creating player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.

He explicitly noted that core creative domains — such as visual art — are are in no way fields where the studio is cutting creative talent. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these precise roles.

"We are neither launching a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not planning on cutting creatives to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.