Larian Studios Clarifies Its Implementation of AI Tools for New Project
The studio behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its upcoming project, sparking significant hype within the gaming community. However, recent remarks from the company's co-founder have added clarity to the conversation, addressing the developer's approach toward machine learning.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a new statement, Swen Vincke explained that the company is utilizing AI technology for certain ancillary purposes. These include developing pitch decks, creating early-stage visual ideas, and drafting placeholder text.
Crucially, Vincke made clear that the shipping assets in the game will be created solely by actual artists. "Our team is writing everything in-house," he said.
Our studio is continuously growing our pool of writers and are actively assembling dedicated writer rooms.
Since this area is being specifically referenced — we right now have 23 concept artists and have positions available for additional creatives.
Everything we do is incremental and designed to having people spend more time on making content.
Every ML tool implemented properly is a boost to a creative team routine, not a substitute for their talent.
Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent
The news of AI usage originally generated backlash among some the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke provided further detail on social media.
"We use AI tools to research ideas, similar to we use the internet and reference books," he wrote. "During the very early planning process we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then swap out with authentic concept art."
He continued, "We've hired talent for their unique talent, not for their capacity to replicate what a AI generates."
Three Pillars of Practical Application
Vincke had earlier detailed the studio's focused approach to AI and ML, categorizing its use into key pillars:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using systems to rapidly prototype rough mock-ups of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts ahead of expensive development.
- Experimental Frontiers: Researching how machine learning could eventually enhance new forms of player agency, especially in managing dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.
He explicitly stated that key artistic disciplines — like visual art — are are in no way areas where the studio is replacing artistic input. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these precise fields.
"Larian is neither shipping a game with machine-made assets, nor looking at trimming down creatives to replace them with AI," Vincke concluded.
