Larian Studios Explains Its Implementation of Machine Learning for Upcoming Project

The developer behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its new project, generating a wave of excitement within the industry. However, subsequent statements from the studio's co-founder have added a new dimension to the conversation, focusing on the studio's philosophy toward machine learning.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest clarification, Swen Vincke detailed that the team is using machine learning for particular ancillary purposes. These involve enhancing PowerPoint slides, producing initial visual ideas, and writing draft copy.

Crucially, Vincke stressed that the shipping material in the game will be created exclusively by human creatives. "Larian is writing every line ourselves," he said.

Our studio is continuously increasing our team of writers and are currently forming narrative groups.

As concept art is being explicitly mentioned — we right now have twenty-three concept artists and have job openings for further artists.

Each initiative we do is incremental and focused on enabling creatives to spend greater focus on the creative process.

Any machine learning application applied correctly is supplementary to a creative team process, never a stand-in for their craft.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The admission of AI usage initially provoked unease among portions of the community. In reply, Vincke offered further elaboration on social media.

"We use AI tools to explore references, just like we use Google and art books," he wrote. "During the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then substitute with original illustrations."

He added, "We've hired talent for their unique talent, not for their capacity to follow what a algorithm proposes."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had previously broken down the studio's practical strategy to machine learning, grouping its use into primary functions:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses refining animations, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to quickly build basic models of mechanics to validate concepts prior to expensive development.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how AI could one day enhance emergent gameplay, especially in simulating unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.

He clearly affirmed that core creative areas — such as writing — are are in no way fields where the company is cutting artistic involvement. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact positions.

"Our studio is neither releasing a game with AI-generated content, nor looking at cutting teams to replace them with AI," Vincke summarized.