🔗 Share this article Larian Studios Explains Its Application of AI Tools for Upcoming Project The team behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its next major project, generating a wave of excitement within the player base. However, subsequent statements from the company's figurehead have brought clarity to the conversation, addressing the studio's approach toward AI tools. AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute In a new clarification, Swen Vincke explained that the company is utilizing machine learning for particular preliminary tasks. These include enhancing pitch decks, producing initial concept art, and creating draft text. Notably, Vincke stressed that the shipping content in the game will be created entirely by actual creatives. "Our team is writing all the content ourselves," he said. We are continuously increasing our pool of concept artists and are currently putting together narrative groups. As visual development is being specifically referenced — we right now have over twenty concept artists and have job openings for further talent. Everything we do is additive and focused on enabling creatives to spend additional energy on the creative process. Every AI system applied correctly is a boost to a creative team workflow, never a stand-in for their talent. Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision The admission of AI usage originally sparked concern among some the fanbase. In response, Vincke offered more clarification on online platforms. "At Larian, we employ AI tools to gather inspiration, just like we use Google and reference books," he explained. "In the conceptual planning process we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then replace with authentic artwork." He continued, "Larian brings on talent for their unique talent, not for their capacity to execute what a AI generates." Three Pillars of Practical Application Vincke had previously outlined the team's practical approach to machine learning, defining its use into three main areas: Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models. Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to rapidly prototype rough mock-ups of mechanics to validate concepts prior to full production. Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how AI could in the future enhance emergent gameplay, specifically in managing unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG. He specifically noted that central narrative disciplines — such as writing — are are absolutely not areas where the team is replacing human talent. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these very fields. "Larian is not releasing a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down creatives to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.
The team behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its next major project, generating a wave of excitement within the player base. However, subsequent statements from the company's figurehead have brought clarity to the conversation, addressing the studio's approach toward AI tools. AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute In a new clarification, Swen Vincke explained that the company is utilizing machine learning for particular preliminary tasks. These include enhancing pitch decks, producing initial concept art, and creating draft text. Notably, Vincke stressed that the shipping content in the game will be created entirely by actual creatives. "Our team is writing all the content ourselves," he said. We are continuously increasing our pool of concept artists and are currently putting together narrative groups. As visual development is being specifically referenced — we right now have over twenty concept artists and have job openings for further talent. Everything we do is additive and focused on enabling creatives to spend additional energy on the creative process. Every AI system applied correctly is a boost to a creative team workflow, never a stand-in for their talent. Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision The admission of AI usage originally sparked concern among some the fanbase. In response, Vincke offered more clarification on online platforms. "At Larian, we employ AI tools to gather inspiration, just like we use Google and reference books," he explained. "In the conceptual planning process we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then replace with authentic artwork." He continued, "Larian brings on talent for their unique talent, not for their capacity to execute what a AI generates." Three Pillars of Practical Application Vincke had previously outlined the team's practical approach to machine learning, defining its use into three main areas: Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models. Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to rapidly prototype rough mock-ups of mechanics to validate concepts prior to full production. Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how AI could in the future enhance emergent gameplay, specifically in managing unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG. He specifically noted that central narrative disciplines — such as writing — are are absolutely not areas where the team is replacing human talent. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these very fields. "Larian is not releasing a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down creatives to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.