Larian Studios Details Its Use of Machine Learning for Next Project

The team behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its next major project, generating immense hype within the industry. However, follow-up comments from the company's figurehead have brought a new dimension to the discussion, focusing on the developer's philosophy toward generative artificial intelligence.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a new statement, Larian's director explained that the team is employing AI technology for certain ancillary tasks. These encompass fleshing out pitch decks, producing early-stage visual ideas, and drafting placeholder copy.

Crucially, Vincke made clear that the final assets in the game will be authored entirely by actual creatives. "Larian is developing everything ourselves," he stated.

Larian is constantly expanding our team of concept artists and are actively assembling narrative groups.

Since visual development is being specifically mentioned — we presently have over twenty artistic staff and have job openings for more creatives.

Everything we do is supplementary and designed to enabling creatives to spend additional energy on making content.

Any AI system applied correctly is supplementary to a artist's workflow, not a substitute for their talent.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The admission of using AI initially provoked backlash among some the player base. In reaction, Vincke issued additional clarification on public forums.

"We use AI tools to explore references, in the same way we use the internet and physical media," he wrote. "During the very early ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then substitute with authentic artwork."

He noted, "Larian brings on creatives for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to replicate what a machine suggests."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had in the past broken down the team's focused approach to this technology, categorizing its use into key functions:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses refining animations, audio processing, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to quickly build basic models of mechanics to test concepts ahead of complete production.
• Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how machine learning could one day create emergent player agency, especially in simulating unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.

He specifically affirmed that core creative areas — such as writing — are are absolutely not areas where the team is reducing human talent. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these precise positions.

"We are neither shipping a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not planning on trimming down teams to substitute them with AI," Vincke concluded.