Larian Studios Details Its Implementation of Machine Learning for Next Project

The developer behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its upcoming project, sparking a wave of anticipation within the player base. However, follow-up statements from the studio's co-founder have introduced a new dimension to the discussion, addressing the team's stance toward AI tools.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a new message, Swen Vincke detailed that the developer is using AI technology for specific supporting tasks. These involve fleshing out presentation materials, generating initial visual ideas, and creating temporary text.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the final content in the game will be created exclusively by real writers. "Our team is creating everything manually," he stated.

Our studio is actively growing our roster of concept artists and are currently assembling dedicated writer rooms.

As this area is being explicitly referenced — we right now have over twenty visual developers and have job openings for further artists.

Everything we do is incremental and focused on letting our team spend additional energy on making content.

Every ML tool used well is a boost to a creative team routine, not a replacement for their talent.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of AI usage initially sparked unease among portions of the player base. In reaction, Vincke issued additional elaboration on public forums.

"Our team utilizes AI tools to gather inspiration, similar to we use Google and art books," he wrote. "In the initial planning process we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then swap out with original illustrations."

He noted, "Larian brings on creatives for their creative vision, not for their capacity to execute what a AI generates."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had previously broken down the studio's focused method to machine learning, categorizing its use into key areas:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using systems to rapidly prototype rough versions of scenarios to validate concepts prior to expensive development.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how machine learning could in the future enhance innovative reactivity, specifically in creating player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He explicitly affirmed that core creative areas — like visual art — are not areas where the studio is cutting creative input. Conversely, Larian is expanding its staff in these very fields.

"We are neither launching a game with any AI components, nor looking at reducing teams to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.