Larian Studios Details Its Implementation of AI Tools for Upcoming Project

The team behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its new project, creating a wave of excitement within the gaming community. However, recent remarks from the company's co-founder have added nuance to the narrative, focusing on the developer's philosophy toward AI tools.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a new message, Swen Vincke explained that the company is utilizing generative AI for certain preliminary functions. These include fleshing out pitch decks, producing early-stage concept art, and creating placeholder dialogue.

Importantly, Vincke stressed that the end assets in the game will be crafted exclusively by human writers. "Our team is writing every line in-house," he affirmed.

We are constantly increasing our team of storytellers and are actively forming narrative groups.

Given that concept art is being explicitly referenced — we currently have 23 concept artists and have positions available for more artists.

Everything we do is incremental and aimed at letting our team spend additional energy on making content.

Every ML tool implemented properly is a boost to a developer's workflow, not a replacement for their craft.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of AI usage originally sparked unease among a segment of the player base. In reply, Vincke offered further elaboration on social media.

"We use these tools to gather inspiration, similar to we use search engines and reference books," he explained. "In the initial ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then swap out with authentic concept art."

He added, "Our studio recruits talent for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to follow what a AI generates."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had earlier broken down the company's focused approach to machine learning, categorizing its use into key areas:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create rough models of scenarios to experiment with concepts prior to complete implementation.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how AI could one day create innovative gameplay, specifically in simulating player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.

He specifically noted that key artistic disciplines — like writing — are are in no way departments where the studio is replacing human involvement. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these exact positions.

"We are neither releasing a game with any AI components, nor planning on trimming down creatives to substitute them with AI," Vincke summarized.