Larian Studios Clarifies Its Application of AI Tools for Upcoming Project

The developer behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its next major project, generating significant hype within the player base. However, recent comments from the studio's figurehead have added nuance to the discussion, focusing on the developer's stance toward AI tools.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a new statement, Larian's director detailed that the developer is utilizing machine learning for certain ancillary tasks. These involve fleshing out pitch decks, producing initial artistic references, and writing placeholder text.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the end material in the game will be authored exclusively by actual writers. "We are creating every line in-house," he stated.

Larian is continuously increasing our team of concept artists and are actively forming dedicated writer rooms.

Given that concept art is being explicitly called out — we presently have 23 artistic staff and have roles to fill for further creatives.

Each initiative we do is additive and designed to letting our team spend more time on the creative process.

Any AI system applied correctly is supplementary to a artist's routine, not a replacement for their talent.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The revelation of using AI at first provoked concern among a segment of the community. In reply, Vincke offered additional detail on social media.

"Our team utilizes these tools to explore references, in the same way we use Google and art books," he stated. "During the initial planning process we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then swap out with hand-crafted illustrations."

He continued, "We've hired creatives for their inherent skill, not for their ability to replicate what a AI generates."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had previously broken down the studio's targeted method to this technology, defining its use into three main functions:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to quickly build simple mock-ups of scenarios to test concepts prior to expensive implementation.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how AI could one day enhance innovative gameplay, particularly in managing unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.

He clearly noted that key artistic disciplines — like visual art — are not fields where the team is reducing human talent. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these very positions.

"Our studio is neither launching a game with any AI components, nor looking at trimming down creatives to substitute them with AI," Vincke concluded.