Larian Studios Details Its Application of Machine Learning for Upcoming Project

The studio behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its next major project, creating significant anticipation within the gaming community. However, follow-up comments from the studio's co-founder have brought nuance to the discussion, touching on the studio's stance toward machine learning.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new statement, the studio's founder explained that the company is employing AI technology for certain supporting purposes. These encompass developing pitch decks, generating rough concept art, and drafting temporary dialogue.

Crucially, Vincke stressed that the final content in the game will be authored exclusively by real creatives. "Our team is creating everything ourselves," he stated.

We are constantly increasing our roster of storytellers and are actively putting together dedicated writer rooms.

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

Everything we do is supplementary and focused on having people spend greater focus on actual creation.

Any ML tool applied correctly is supplementary to a developer's routine, not a substitute for their craft.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The admission of using AI initially sparked concern among portions of the player base. In reaction, Vincke provided more detail on public forums.

"We use these tools to research ideas, in the same way we use the internet and physical media," he wrote. "In the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then substitute with hand-crafted artwork."

He added, "We've hired artists for their unique talent, not for their willingness to replicate what a AI generates."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past outlined the company's focused method to this technology, categorizing its use into three main pillars:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like polishing mocap data, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to rapidly prototype rough versions of mechanics to test concepts prior to full production.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how AI could eventually facilitate emergent reactivity, particularly in managing player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.

He explicitly affirmed that key artistic domains — including writing — are not departments where the company is replacing creative talent. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these very fields.

"We are neither releasing a game with any AI components, nor looking at cutting creatives to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.