Larian Studios Details Its Application of Generative AI for Upcoming Project

The developer behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently unveiled its new project, generating significant anticipation within the player base. However, recent statements from the company's figurehead have introduced clarity to the conversation, touching on the studio's stance toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new message, Swen Vincke outlined that the team is employing AI technology for particular supporting tasks. These include enhancing PowerPoint slides, producing rough visual ideas, and writing temporary dialogue.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the shipping assets in the game will be created entirely by real creatives. "We are developing all the content in-house," he said.

We are constantly increasing our roster of concept artists and are currently assembling dedicated writer rooms.

As this area is being particularly referenced — we presently have 23 visual developers and have job openings for further artists.

Each initiative we do is additive and focused on having people spend additional energy on actual creation.

Every AI system applied correctly is a boost to a creative team workflow, not a replacement for their craft.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The revelation of AI usage originally generated unease among some the community. In response, Vincke provided additional clarification on online platforms.

"Our team utilizes these tools to research ideas, in the same way we use the internet and art books," he stated. "In the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then replace with hand-crafted concept art."

He noted, "We've hired artists for their unique talent, not for their ability to execute what a machine suggests."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had previously detailed the team's targeted approach to AI and ML, grouping its use into three main areas:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like polishing mocap data, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to rapidly prototype basic models of scenarios to validate concepts prior to complete development.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how machine learning could one day facilitate innovative player agency, specifically in creating dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.

He clearly stated that core creative disciplines — including writing — are not fields where the team is reducing human involvement. Conversely, Larian is expanding its staff in these very fields.

"We are not releasing a game with machine-made assets, nor considering cutting creatives to replace them with AI," Vincke summarized.