Larian Studios Details Its Use of Generative AI for New Project
The developer behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its new project, creating significant hype within the industry. However, follow-up comments from the studio's co-founder have introduced clarity to the conversation, addressing the studio's philosophy toward AI tools.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a new statement, the studio's founder explained that the team is using AI technology for particular preliminary functions. These encompass fleshing out presentation materials, creating rough concept art, and creating placeholder copy.
Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the end material in the game will be created solely by real artists. "We are creating everything in-house," he said.
Our studio is constantly growing our pool of concept artists and are currently assembling writing teams.
As visual development is being explicitly mentioned — we currently have twenty-three visual developers and have positions available for further artists.
All our efforts we do is incremental and designed to letting our team spend additional energy on the creative process.
Every machine learning application used well is supplementary to a creative team workflow, not a replacement for their craft.
Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent
The news of employing this technology initially generated backlash among a segment of the player base. In reaction, Vincke offered more elaboration on public forums.
"Our team utilizes these tools to explore references, similar to we use Google and art books," he wrote. "In the very early planning process we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then replace with hand-crafted artwork."
He continued, "Larian brings on creatives for their creative vision, not for their ability to replicate what a AI generates."
Focused Uses for Machine Learning
Vincke had previously broken down the team's focused method to machine learning, grouping its use into key functions:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using tools to quickly build simple mock-ups of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts ahead of expensive production.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how AI could one day create emergent player agency, specifically in managing unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.
He specifically stated that core creative domains — including writing — are not areas where the studio is reducing creative involvement. On the contrary, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact roles.
"We are neither releasing a game with machine-made assets, nor considering reducing teams to swap them out with AI," Vincke summarized.
