🔗 Share this article Larian Studios Details Its Use of AI Tools for New Project The studio behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its upcoming project, creating significant hype within the industry. However, follow-up statements from the studio's lead designer have added nuance to the narrative, addressing the studio's philosophy toward machine learning. AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute In a latest message, Swen Vincke detailed that the team is utilizing machine learning for specific preliminary purposes. These include fleshing out pitch decks, producing initial concept art, and writing placeholder text. Notably, Vincke made clear that the end material in the game will be authored entirely by actual artists. "We are creating every line in-house," he stated. We are constantly expanding our team of storytellers and are busily assembling writing teams. As this area is being specifically called out — we currently have 23 concept artists and have positions available for more artists. Each initiative we do is incremental and focused on having people spend additional energy on actual creation. Every AI system implemented properly is additive to a creative team process, not a replacement for their skill. Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path The admission of using AI originally provoked concern among some the community. In reply, Vincke issued more detail on social media. "Our team utilizes machine learning to research ideas, similar to we use the internet and reference books," he explained. "During the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then replace with hand-crafted concept art." He added, "We've hired artists for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to follow what a algorithm proposes." Key Areas of AI Integration Vincke had previously outlined the team's focused approach to AI and ML, defining its use into key pillars: Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species. Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to rapidly prototype simple mock-ups of gameplay ideas to validate concepts before full production. Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how AI could eventually facilitate innovative gameplay, specifically in managing dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world. He explicitly stated that core creative domains — like writing — are are absolutely not areas where the team is cutting artistic input. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these precise fields. "Our studio is neither launching a game with AI-generated content, nor looking at reducing staff to swap them out with AI," Vincke concluded.
The studio behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its upcoming project, creating significant hype within the industry. However, follow-up statements from the studio's lead designer have added nuance to the narrative, addressing the studio's philosophy toward machine learning. AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute In a latest message, Swen Vincke detailed that the team is utilizing machine learning for specific preliminary purposes. These include fleshing out pitch decks, producing initial concept art, and writing placeholder text. Notably, Vincke made clear that the end material in the game will be authored entirely by actual artists. "We are creating every line in-house," he stated. We are constantly expanding our team of storytellers and are busily assembling writing teams. As this area is being specifically called out — we currently have 23 concept artists and have positions available for more artists. Each initiative we do is incremental and focused on having people spend additional energy on actual creation. Every AI system implemented properly is additive to a creative team process, not a replacement for their skill. Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path The admission of using AI originally provoked concern among some the community. In reply, Vincke issued more detail on social media. "Our team utilizes machine learning to research ideas, similar to we use the internet and reference books," he explained. "During the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then replace with hand-crafted concept art." He added, "We've hired artists for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to follow what a algorithm proposes." Key Areas of AI Integration Vincke had previously outlined the team's focused approach to AI and ML, defining its use into key pillars: Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species. Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to rapidly prototype simple mock-ups of gameplay ideas to validate concepts before full production. Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how AI could eventually facilitate innovative gameplay, specifically in managing dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world. He explicitly stated that core creative domains — like writing — are are absolutely not areas where the team is cutting artistic input. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these precise fields. "Our studio is neither launching a game with AI-generated content, nor looking at reducing staff to swap them out with AI," Vincke concluded.