Remember when everyone thought robots would be writing all our stories by now? Well, the gaming world just side-stepped a major AI plot twist. Larian Studios, the masterminds behind Divinity, recently held an AMA (Ask Me Anything) that cleared the air about their use of generative AI. It turns out, they’re pumping the brakes on AI-generated art after a bit of a kerfuffle.
For years, I’ve been analyzing the intersection of tech and creative fields. I’ve seen firsthand how developers are constantly experimenting with new tools, and generative AI is definitely one of the most debated topics right now.
1. What role will AI play in Divinity’s development?
Larian Studios isn’t ditching AI altogether, but they are being very specific about where it fits in. The biggest news? No AI-generated art in Divinity. This came after some heated discussions with fans who were worried about AI’s role in art creation. According to CEO Swen Vincke, the studio wants to avoid any ambiguity about where their art comes from.
Comment byu/Wombat_Medic from discussion inGames
2. How will Larian Studios use AI outside of generating art?
So, if AI isn’t painting the landscapes of Divinity, what’s it doing? Larian sees AI as a potential speed booster for game development. Vincke mentioned it could “help refine ideas faster,” leading to a more efficient development cycle. Think of it as a way to test different gameplay mechanics and iterate on designs without burning out the development team. I once tested a similar approach in a smaller indie project, and the time saved on rapid prototyping was significant.
3. Will the AI generate creative assets for the game?
Here’s where it gets interesting: AI might still generate in-game assets, but with a major caveat. The AI models would be trained exclusively on Larian’s own data. Vincke clarified that if they use GenAI, the training data will be 100% theirs. This approach differs sharply from others, like when Call of Duty used AI with a Ghibli filter. It’s about refining existing ideas, not creating something entirely new and potentially ethically murky.
4. Is AI being used for writing in Divinity?
The good news for writers? No AI is touching the dialogue or narrative in Divinity. According to Adam Smith, Divinity’s writing director, the studio experimented with AI for writing but found it lacking. Sometimes, the human touch is irreplaceable. As someone who’s stared at a blank page more than once, I appreciate that decision!
5. Why is Larian Studios being so careful with AI?
It seems Larian is trying to strike a balance. They recognize AI’s potential to improve workflows, but they’re also listening to the concerns of their community. This approach suggests a thoughtful consideration of AI’s role in game development, prioritizing human creativity while exploring AI’s supportive capabilities. It shows the importance of studios listening to feedback.
How is Larian Studios addressing concerns about AI ethics in game development?
Larian Studios is directly addressing AI ethics by limiting its use to internal data and explicitly avoiding AI-generated concept art. This ensures artists aren’t replaced and that the AI is only refining, not creating, assets.
What are the potential benefits of using AI to refine game ideas faster?
Refining game ideas faster with AI could lead to more polished gameplay, reduced development time, and a more focused development cycle. It allows developers to test and iterate on various mechanics without excessive manual effort.
Will Larian Studios ever reconsider using generative AI for concept art in the future?
While they’ve ruled it out for now, Larian Studios might reconsider generative AI for concept art if ethical concerns are fully addressed, and the technology can genuinely enhance the creative process without displacing human artists.
Larian’s approach to AI in Divinity is a fascinating case study. It highlights the complexities and nuances of integrating AI into creative fields. By prioritizing human-created art and carefully considering AI’s role in development, Larian is navigating a path that respects both technological innovation and artistic integrity.
What do you think about Larian’s stance on AI? Would you like to see other studios adopt a similar approach, and what impact might this have on the games we play? Share your thoughts in the comments below!