Larian Studios Explains Its Application of Generative AI for Next Project

The studio behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently unveiled its upcoming project, sparking significant anticipation within the gaming community. However, follow-up comments from the company's lead designer have brought clarity to the narrative, focusing on the team's philosophy toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a latest clarification, Swen Vincke detailed that the company is utilizing AI technology for certain supporting purposes. These include developing pitch decks, creating initial concept art, and creating placeholder dialogue.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the end content in the game will be created entirely by actual writers. "Larian is developing every line in-house," he stated.

Larian is continuously increasing our pool of storytellers and are busily forming writing teams.

Given that concept art is being particularly called out — we presently have over twenty visual developers and have positions available for more artists.

Each initiative we do is additive and designed to enabling creatives to spend greater focus on making content.

Any ML tool implemented properly is a boost to a developer's routine, not a substitute for their craft.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The admission of using AI originally sparked concern among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke provided more elaboration on social media.

"Our team utilizes AI tools to research ideas, similar to we use search engines and physical media," he explained. "In the initial planning process we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then swap out with original artwork."

He continued, "Our studio recruits talent for their unique talent, not for their willingness to follow what a algorithm proposes."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had previously outlined the company's practical strategy to this technology, categorizing its use into primary areas:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses refining animations, audio processing, and Larian-specific work like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to quickly build rough mock-ups of scenarios to test concepts before expensive implementation.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how AI could eventually enhance emergent player agency, especially in creating dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.

He specifically noted that core creative areas — like writing — are are absolutely not departments where the studio is reducing artistic input. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these very fields.

"Larian is neither releasing a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not planning on cutting staff to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.