Larian Studios Explains Its Implementation of AI Tools for Upcoming Project

The developer behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its new project, sparking a wave of anticipation within the industry. However, follow-up remarks from the studio's figurehead have added a new dimension to the narrative, touching on the studio's philosophy toward generative artificial intelligence.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a latest message, the studio's founder detailed that the developer is utilizing machine learning for specific ancillary tasks. These involve enhancing presentation materials, creating initial artistic references, and writing placeholder text.

Notably, Vincke stressed that the shipping content in the game will be crafted solely by real artists. "Larian is writing everything in-house," he said.

Our studio is constantly expanding our roster of concept artists and are busily putting together dedicated writer rooms.

Since visual development is being specifically mentioned — we presently have twenty-three artistic staff and have positions available for more artists.

All our efforts we do is incremental and focused on having people spend more time on the creative process.

Every ML tool implemented properly is a boost to a developer's routine, never a stand-in for their talent.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The admission of AI usage initially generated concern among portions of the player base. In reply, Vincke offered more elaboration on public forums.

"At Larian, we employ machine learning to explore references, just like we use Google and physical media," he stated. "In the initial planning process we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then swap out with hand-crafted concept art."

He noted, "Our studio recruits talent for their unique talent, not for their capacity to follow what a AI generates."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had previously detailed the company's practical approach to machine learning, grouping its use into three main functions:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to rapidly prototype basic versions of scenarios to experiment with concepts before complete implementation.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Investigating how AI could eventually facilitate new forms of player agency, especially in creating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.

He specifically stated that core creative domains — such as music composition — are are absolutely not departments where the company is reducing human input. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these exact positions.

"Our studio is not shipping a game with any AI components, nor looking at reducing staff to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.