Larian Studios Explains Its Implementation of Machine Learning for Upcoming Project
The developer behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its new project, generating a wave of excitement within the gaming community. However, follow-up remarks from the company's co-founder have brought clarity to the discussion, focusing on the studio's philosophy toward machine learning.
AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute
In a new statement, Larian's director explained that the developer is using AI technology for particular supporting functions. These involve developing PowerPoint slides, creating early-stage concept art, and writing placeholder text.
Notably, Vincke made clear that the shipping content in the game will be crafted solely by actual artists. "Our team is writing all the content in-house," he said.
Our studio is constantly increasing our pool of storytellers and are busily forming writing teams.
Given that visual development is being explicitly called out — we presently have over twenty concept artists and have roles to fill for more talent.
Each initiative we do is supplementary and focused on having people spend more time on actual creation.
Any ML tool implemented properly is supplementary to a creative team workflow, never a stand-in for their skill.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The revelation of employing this technology originally provoked unease among a segment of the player base. In response, Vincke issued more clarification on social media.
"At Larian, we employ these tools to research ideas, similar to we use search engines and reference books," he wrote. "During the initial planning process we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then replace with original illustrations."
He continued, "Our studio recruits talent for their unique talent, not for their willingness to execute what a algorithm proposes."
Focused Uses for Machine Learning
Vincke had earlier detailed the studio's targeted method to AI and ML, defining its use into key areas:
- Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to quickly build basic versions of scenarios to validate concepts ahead of complete development.
- Experimental Frontiers: Exploring how machine learning could one day facilitate innovative reactivity, particularly in simulating dynamic reactions in a complex RPG.
He specifically noted that central narrative disciplines — including writing — are are absolutely not areas where the company is cutting human involvement. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these exact fields.
"Our studio is not shipping a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not planning on trimming down staff to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.
