Larian Studios Details Its Application of Machine Learning for Next Project

The studio behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its new project, generating significant excitement within the industry. However, recent statements from the company's co-founder have added a new dimension to the narrative, addressing the developer's approach toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a recent message, Larian's director explained that the company is using machine learning for specific ancillary purposes. These involve enhancing pitch decks, generating early-stage artistic references, and creating placeholder text.

Notably, Vincke made clear that the final material in the game will be crafted exclusively by real artists. "We are developing all the content manually," he stated.

We are continuously growing our team of writers and are currently putting together narrative groups.

Since this area is being particularly referenced — we presently have twenty-three concept artists and have positions available for further talent.

Each initiative we do is supplementary and aimed at having people spend additional energy on making content.

Any ML tool applied correctly is supplementary to a artist's workflow, not a replacement for their skill.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of using AI initially generated unease among portions of the player base. In response, Vincke provided additional elaboration on public forums.

"At Larian, we employ AI tools to explore references, just like we use the internet and art books," he explained. "During the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then substitute with hand-crafted artwork."

He noted, "Larian brings on creatives for their unique talent, not for their capacity to replicate what a machine suggests."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had previously outlined the studio's practical strategy to this technology, defining its use into key pillars:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes refining animations, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using tools to quickly build rough models of mechanics to validate concepts prior to full development.
• Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how machine learning could one day create emergent reactivity, especially in creating unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.

He specifically affirmed that central narrative disciplines — like visual art — are are absolutely not fields where the company is reducing human input. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these precise fields.

"Larian is not launching a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not considering reducing staff to swap them out with AI," Vincke summarized.