The team behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its upcoming project, generating immense anticipation within the industry. However, follow-up remarks from the studio's co-founder have introduced a new dimension to the discussion, addressing the studio's philosophy toward AI tools.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a recent clarification, Larian's director detailed that the company is utilizing machine learning for particular ancillary purposes. These involve fleshing out pitch decks, producing rough artistic references, and drafting draft dialogue.
Notably, Vincke emphasized that the end assets in the game will be authored solely by actual creatives. "Larian is developing every line ourselves," he stated.
Our studio is continuously growing our roster of concept artists and are actively assembling narrative groups.
Since concept art is being explicitly referenced — we right now have twenty-three artistic staff and have positions available for further artists.
Everything we do is supplementary and focused on letting our team spend additional energy on making content.
Every ML tool used well is supplementary to a developer's workflow, never a stand-in for their talent.
Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent
The revelation of employing this technology initially sparked concern among a segment of the player base. In reaction, Vincke issued further clarification on social media.
"At Larian, we employ machine learning to explore references, just like we use search engines and physical media," he stated. "In the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then replace with authentic 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 previously outlined the company's targeted approach to AI and ML, defining its use into three main functions:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like adjusting assets for various species.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using systems to rapidly prototype basic versions of scenarios to test concepts prior to full implementation.
- Experimental Frontiers: Researching how AI could eventually create innovative player agency, particularly in simulating unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world.
He clearly affirmed that core creative disciplines — like writing — are are in no way areas where the team is replacing creative input. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these exact positions.
"Our studio is not launching a game with machine-made assets, nor planning on cutting creatives to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.
