Larian Studios makes a dramatic U-turn on AI art! After a heated fan backlash, the developer behind the highly anticipated Baldur's Gate 3 has decided to completely abandon the use of generative AI for concept art in their upcoming Divinity game. But here's where it gets controversial: this decision comes after a misunderstanding that sparked a debate about AI's role in the creative process.
During a recent Reddit AMA, Larian's founder, Swen Vincke, clarified their position. He stated that to eliminate any doubt, they will not use gen-AI during concept art development, ensuring the art's origin is unquestionable. This statement was in response to concerns raised after an interview in December, where Vincke's comments implied that Larian was using AI to generate concept art. However, he later clarified that the studio was only using AI to explore references, not create the art itself.
Despite the clarification, Larian has now chosen to remove any trace of ambiguity. Vincke emphasized that they will not include any gen-AI art in Divinity. But the story doesn't end there. Larian is still experimenting with AI in other areas, believing it can improve their workflow and game quality. Vincke explained that they aim to increase the speed of iterations, leading to better gameplay and a more efficient development