Larian Studios Details Its Application of Machine Learning for New Project
The team behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its next major project, creating immense hype within the industry. However, follow-up comments from the studio's co-founder have introduced a new dimension to the discussion, addressing the team's stance toward machine learning.
AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute
In a latest statement, Swen Vincke detailed that the developer is employing generative AI for particular supporting tasks. These involve fleshing out pitch decks, generating rough artistic references, and drafting placeholder text.
Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the shipping content in the game will be authored solely by actual artists. "We are developing every line ourselves," he affirmed.
Our studio is constantly increasing our pool of writers and are busily assembling narrative groups.
As this area is being explicitly referenced — we presently have 23 artistic staff and have positions available for further talent.
Everything we do is supplementary and designed to having people spend more time on making content.
Every machine learning application used well is supplementary to a artist's routine, not a substitute for their craft.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The revelation of employing this technology originally generated unease among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke issued more detail on public forums.
"Our team utilizes AI tools to research ideas, just like we use search engines and reference books," he wrote. "In the initial ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then swap out with authentic illustrations."
He added, "Our studio recruits creatives for their unique talent, not for their willingness to follow what a AI generates."
Three Pillars of Practical Application
Vincke had earlier outlined the studio's practical method to AI and ML, grouping its use into three main functions:
- Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to quickly build basic mock-ups of mechanics to validate concepts ahead of full implementation.
- Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how machine learning could eventually create new forms of player agency, specifically in creating unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.
He clearly noted that central narrative domains — like visual art — are are absolutely not departments where the studio is cutting creative input. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these exact positions.
"Larian is neither shipping a game with AI-generated content, nor considering cutting staff to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.
