Larian Studios Clarifies Its Application of Generative AI for Next Divinity Game

The developer behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its new project, generating a wave of hype within the player base. However, follow-up statements from the studio's lead designer have added nuance to the narrative, addressing the developer's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest message, Swen Vincke outlined that the team is utilizing generative AI for particular ancillary purposes. These involve enhancing pitch decks, creating rough artistic references, and creating draft copy.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the end material in the game will be created exclusively by actual creatives. "Our team is writing every line in-house," he said.

We are constantly growing our roster of storytellers and are actively assembling dedicated writer rooms.

Given that this area is being explicitly called out — we right now have over twenty artistic staff and have positions available for further creatives.

Each initiative we do is incremental and aimed at having people spend more time on actual creation.

Every AI system implemented properly is a boost to a creative team routine, never a stand-in for their skill.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The revelation of employing this technology initially generated unease among portions of the community. In response, Vincke issued more detail on public forums.

"At Larian, we employ AI tools to research ideas, in the same way we use the internet and art books," he wrote. "During the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then swap out with original artwork."

He noted, "Larian brings on creatives for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to replicate what a algorithm proposes."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had earlier detailed the studio's focused strategy to AI and ML, grouping its use into primary functions:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to quickly build simple versions of scenarios to test concepts ahead of complete production.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how AI could one day create innovative reactivity, especially in simulating dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.

He explicitly affirmed that central narrative disciplines — like music composition — are are in no way departments where the team is replacing artistic talent. Conversely, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact roles.

"Our studio is not shipping a game with any AI components, nor considering reducing teams to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.