**Larian Studios’ Approach to Generative AI in Game Development: Insights from CEO Swen Vincke**
Larian Studios, renowned for the acclaimed Divinity series, is navigating the increasingly complex landscape of generative AI in game development. CEO Swen Vincke recently addressed concerns regarding the studio’s use of AI technology, especially in light of its impact on concept art and creative assets. In an effort to clarify the studio’s direction, Vincke articulated a clear stance that aims to balance innovation with ethical practices.
In a public AMA session held on January 9th, Vincke emphasized, “There is not going to be any GenAI art in Divinity.” This announcement helps to allay fears about the integrity of the artistic process in the upcoming entries of the beloved franchise. By committing to refrain from using generative AI in concept art development, Larian aims to ensure that there is no ambiguity regarding the origins of their artwork. Vincke recognizes the potential confusion generated by discussions surrounding the integration of AI tools, and the decision reflects a commitment to transparent and responsible creative processes.
Larian Studios’ broader strategy concerning generative AI is guided by a commitment to ethical sourcing of data. Vincke stated, “We will not generate ‘creative assets’ that end up in a game without being 100% sure about the origins of the training data and the consent of those who created the data.” This includes utilizing models only trained on data that the studio owns, mitigating the risk of creative theft and copyright infringement.
Despite the cautious approach towards generative AI in art development, Larian is open to exploring AI’s potential benefits in other aspects of game production. Vincke shared that the studio is experimenting with generative AI tools to enhance various departments, aiming to improve the efficiency of development iterations. This strategy is rooted in the belief that quicker experimentation can lead to more refined gameplay experiences and ultimately higher quality games.
Moreover, Larian’s machine learning director, Gabriel Bosque, provided insights into specific applications of machine learning within the studio. Notably, this technology is currently being employed in the cinematics and animation pipeline to enhance the capture of actor performances. Bosque affirmed that these machine learning models are exclusively trained using Larian’s internal data, reinforcing the studio’s commitment to ethical AI practices.
As the gaming industry navigates the expanding role of AI and machine learning, Larian Studios stands at the forefront of this conversation. While the approach outlined by Vincke may be met with skepticism due to the intricacies involved in monitoring AI data sources, the studio’s commitment to responsible usage signals a thoughtful response to the challenges of modern game development.
With Larian’s decision to forego generative AI in key artistic areas, fans can rest assured that the magic of Divinity will remain firmly rooted in the studio’s singular vision—one that honors creativity and originality as essential cornerstones of their games. As Larian continues to experiment with AI in other domains, the industry will be watching closely to see how they balance innovation with artistic integrity moving forward.
