Larian Studios Clarifies Its Implementation of Machine Learning for New Project

The developer behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its next major project, generating a wave of hype within the player base. However, follow-up comments from the studio's lead designer have introduced nuance to the conversation, addressing the studio's philosophy toward machine learning.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new message, the studio's founder detailed that the company is using machine learning for particular preliminary purposes. These involve fleshing out PowerPoint slides, generating initial visual ideas, and drafting temporary text.

Notably, Vincke stressed that the shipping content in the game will be crafted exclusively by actual creatives. "We are writing all the content manually," he affirmed.

Larian is constantly increasing our team of concept artists and are actively forming writing teams.

Since concept art is being explicitly called out — we currently have 23 concept artists and have positions available for further talent.

Each initiative we do is additive and designed to letting our team spend additional energy on actual creation.

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

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The news of using AI originally generated backlash among some the player base. In reaction, Vincke issued additional elaboration on online platforms.

"At Larian, we employ these tools to research ideas, just like we use Google and art books," he stated. "In the very early planning process we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then replace with hand-crafted illustrations."

He added, "Larian brings on talent for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to replicate what a AI generates."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had in the past outlined the team's practical approach to machine learning, defining its use into three main pillars:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to rapidly prototype basic versions of gameplay ideas to test concepts prior to expensive development.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how machine learning could one day facilitate new forms of gameplay, especially in creating dynamic reactions in a complex RPG.

He specifically affirmed that core creative disciplines — such as visual art — are are in no way areas where the team is cutting human input. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these precise fields.

"Our studio is not launching a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not planning on cutting creatives to swap them out with AI," Vincke concluded.