The team behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its new project, sparking immense anticipation within the player base. However, subsequent statements from the company's co-founder have added clarity to the narrative, addressing the developer's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a recent clarification, the studio's founder detailed that the developer is employing generative AI for specific preliminary purposes. These involve fleshing out PowerPoint slides, generating rough visual ideas, and creating placeholder dialogue.
Notably, Vincke stressed that the shipping content in the game will be authored solely by actual artists. "Our team is creating all the content ourselves," he said.
We are actively increasing our pool of writers and are actively assembling dedicated writer rooms.
Since visual development is being explicitly mentioned — we currently have twenty-three artistic staff and have positions available for further artists.
All our efforts we do is supplementary and focused on letting our team spend additional energy on actual creation.
Every machine learning application implemented properly is a boost to a developer's routine, never a stand-in for their talent.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The admission of using AI originally generated concern among a segment of the fanbase. In reply, Vincke provided additional elaboration on social media.
"We use these tools to research ideas, in the same way we use Google and reference books," he wrote. "During the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then substitute with authentic concept art."
He noted, "We've hired artists for their creative vision, not for their capacity to execute what a AI generates."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had in the past outlined the company's focused strategy to machine learning, defining its use into three main functions:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes polishing mocap data, audio processing, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
- Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using tools to quickly build basic mock-ups of scenarios to experiment with concepts prior to expensive development.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how AI could in the future create innovative reactivity, particularly in managing player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.
He explicitly stated that core creative disciplines — such as writing — are are in no way areas where the company is cutting human involvement. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these exact fields.
"We are neither launching a game with any AI components, nor looking at cutting creatives to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.
