🔗 Share this article Larian Studios Details Its Use of Generative AI for Next Project The team behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its next major project, creating significant excitement within the gaming community. However, recent statements from the company's lead designer have brought clarity to the narrative, addressing the developer's philosophy toward AI tools. AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute In a latest clarification, Swen Vincke explained that the company is employing AI technology for particular ancillary tasks. These include fleshing out pitch decks, creating rough visual ideas, and creating placeholder copy. Notably, Vincke emphasized that the end assets in the game will be crafted exclusively by human writers. "Our team is creating everything in-house," he stated. Our studio is continuously expanding our pool of concept artists and are currently forming dedicated writer rooms. Given that this area is being explicitly referenced — we right now have 23 visual developers and have roles to fill for more artists. Everything we do is additive and aimed at enabling creatives to spend additional energy on the creative process. Every AI system implemented properly is supplementary to a creative team workflow, not a substitute for their skill. Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision The revelation of AI usage originally generated concern among a segment of the fanbase. In response, Vincke provided further detail on social media. "At Larian, we employ machine learning to explore references, just like we use search engines and physical media," he stated. "In the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then swap out with original artwork." He added, "We've hired talent for their unique talent, not for their ability to execute what a algorithm proposes." Focused Uses for Machine Learning Vincke had previously detailed the team's targeted strategy to AI and ML, defining its use into key functions: Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like polishing mocap data, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models. Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create simple mock-ups of scenarios to test concepts prior to expensive production. Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how AI could eventually facilitate new forms of player agency, particularly in simulating unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world. He explicitly noted that key artistic domains — such as visual art — are not departments where the team is cutting human talent. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these exact positions. "We are neither launching a game with AI-generated content, nor planning on trimming down teams to substitute them with AI," Vincke concluded.
The team behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its next major project, creating significant excitement within the gaming community. However, recent statements from the company's lead designer have brought clarity to the narrative, addressing the developer's philosophy toward AI tools. AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute In a latest clarification, Swen Vincke explained that the company is employing AI technology for particular ancillary tasks. These include fleshing out pitch decks, creating rough visual ideas, and creating placeholder copy. Notably, Vincke emphasized that the end assets in the game will be crafted exclusively by human writers. "Our team is creating everything in-house," he stated. Our studio is continuously expanding our pool of concept artists and are currently forming dedicated writer rooms. Given that this area is being explicitly referenced — we right now have 23 visual developers and have roles to fill for more artists. Everything we do is additive and aimed at enabling creatives to spend additional energy on the creative process. Every AI system implemented properly is supplementary to a creative team workflow, not a substitute for their skill. Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision The revelation of AI usage originally generated concern among a segment of the fanbase. In response, Vincke provided further detail on social media. "At Larian, we employ machine learning to explore references, just like we use search engines and physical media," he stated. "In the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then swap out with original artwork." He added, "We've hired talent for their unique talent, not for their ability to execute what a algorithm proposes." Focused Uses for Machine Learning Vincke had previously detailed the team's targeted strategy to AI and ML, defining its use into key functions: Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like polishing mocap data, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models. Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create simple mock-ups of scenarios to test concepts prior to expensive production. Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how AI could eventually facilitate new forms of player agency, particularly in simulating unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world. He explicitly noted that key artistic domains — such as visual art — are not departments where the team is cutting human talent. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these exact positions. "We are neither launching a game with AI-generated content, nor planning on trimming down teams to substitute them with AI," Vincke concluded.