Larian Studios Explains Its Use of AI Tools for New Project

The developer behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its new project, sparking a wave of excitement within the industry. However, subsequent comments from the company's lead designer have introduced a new dimension to the narrative, addressing the studio's philosophy toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a latest message, the studio's founder explained that the developer is utilizing generative AI for certain preliminary tasks. These involve developing PowerPoint slides, producing rough artistic references, and drafting temporary dialogue.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the shipping content in the game will be crafted entirely by actual artists. "We are developing all the content manually," he affirmed.

Larian is actively increasing our roster of writers and are busily assembling narrative groups.

Given that visual development is being particularly called out — we presently have twenty-three artistic staff and have positions available for more artists.

Everything we do is supplementary and focused on enabling creatives to spend more time on making content.

Any ML tool applied correctly is a boost to a artist's routine, never a stand-in for their skill.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The news of using AI at first provoked backlash among some the player base. In reply, Vincke issued further elaboration on public forums.

"We use AI tools to gather inspiration, just like we use Google and physical media," he wrote. "In the very early planning process we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then replace with authentic concept art."

He noted, "We've hired talent for their unique talent, not for their capacity to follow what a AI generates."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had previously broken down the team's focused strategy to this technology, grouping its use into three main functions:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create rough versions of scenarios to test concepts before complete development.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how AI could eventually enhance new forms of gameplay, particularly in managing player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He explicitly noted that key artistic disciplines — including visual art — are not departments where the studio is reducing artistic talent. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these precise roles.

"We are not launching a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not considering cutting teams to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.