Gait Games

**Larian Studios’ Stance on Generative AI in Game Development**

Larian Studios, famed for their celebrated RPGs such as the *Divinity* series, has recently clarified their stance on utilizing generative AI tools in the creation of their upcoming game. During a Reddit AMA, CEO Swen Vincke addressed worries that arose after earlier remarks about the studio’s trials with AI technologies. Initially, Vincke hinted that generative AI could support the creation of concept art and other preliminary production materials. However, after receiving criticism, he reassessed this position, assuring fans that AI-generated content would not feature in the final product.

Vincke asserted that Larian will completely avoid using generative AI for concept art, reinforcing the studio’s dedication to traditional artistic methods. “To clarify and eliminate any doubt, we’ve opted not to employ genAI tools during the concept art phase,” he stated. This choice reflects an awareness of the consequences and criticisms tied to the use of AI, especially regarding copyright and the sources of training data.

Nonetheless, Larian is investigating how generative AI, when exclusively trained on their proprietary material, could enhance elements of the development process. Vincke noted that while generative AI won’t yield creative assets for *Divinity*, the technology could aid in refining concepts and boosting development efficiency. He highlighted the necessity of ensuring that any generative AI utilized complies with copyright regulations and has the consent of original creators.

**Machine Learning Applications Beyond Art**

The head of machine learning at the studio, Gabriel Bosque, provided insight into the practical uses of machine learning (ML) within Larian, particularly concerning cinematics and animation. He mentioned that ML is integrated into their pipeline to improve actor performances through techniques such as cleaning and retargeting motion capture data. This application is crucial, as it demonstrates a method by which AI can enhance human creativity without superseding it, thereby maintaining the game’s artistic quality and integrity.

Historically, game developers have used algorithms and procedural generation to aid in crafting expansive game worlds. However, as technology advances, the ability to produce AI-generated content that satisfies industry standards has come under examination. Concerns regarding the quality and suitability of generative AI outputs continue, especially in domains like NPC dialogue and artistic assets.

**Quality Over Automation**

Writers at Larian have explicitly mentioned that generative AI has not shown efficacy in creating dialogue or content at the quality they demand. Writing director Adam Smith disclosed that efforts to generate text via AI resulted in unsatisfactory outputs. He humorously contrasted his initial drafts, regardless of their roughness, favorably with AI-generated content, underscoring the significance of nuanced human writing in RPG storytelling.

Art director Alena Dubrovina also stressed the studio’s dedication to quality. She reaffirmed their intention not to use AI for producing game assets or models, as they believe such content would not meet the established artistic standards of *Divinity*.

**Conclusion**

Larian Studios is cautiously navigating the changing landscape of generative AI. By focusing on quality and creative integrity, they aim to integrate AI as a tool for enhancing development processes rather than jeopardizing human creativity. With a commitment to transparency and ethical practices, Larian’s approach may set an example for other studios seeking to balance technological advancement and artistic tradition in game development.

Saturdays are for putting your hand in a bucket of ice, swallowing a mouthful of honey and lemon, and breathing a sigh of relief. All that practice you put into your welcome handshake and ‘Here comes trouble!’ paid off. Almost every member of the treehouse has been successfully greeted home.

All bar one. But I’ll get him. I’ll get him good.

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LEGO stands out as one of those exceptional brands that are ageless. Regardless of whether you’re eight or eighty, there’s an undeniable joy in unboxing a package full of organized bricks and transforming disorder into order. LEGO collections are indeed toys, but they also serve as gifts, decorative items, and treasured collectibles. At the core of it all is the building process itself. You can clear a spot on a table or get comfortable on the floor, play your favorite podcast or audiobook, and let your hands take charge. Piece by piece, a recognizable form starts to take shape, and at some point, the outside distractions fade away. Stress recedes, time flows by unnoticed, and you find yourself fully engaged in the simple pleasure of crafting something real.

That sensation is particularly profound when the end result is an icon. Few fictional crafts are as immediately identifiable as the Millennium Falcon, the famed “heap of junk” that managed the Kessel Run in under twelve parsecs. Currently, you can recreate that iconic film history for less, courtesy of a limited-time offer. The LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon set is now available at a 20% discount, bringing the price down from $85 to just $68. That’s a savings of $17 for one of the most cherished ships within the Star Wars saga.

### An Ideal Display-Ready Falcon

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### Elevate Your Gaming with the Samsung Odyssey G50D Monitor

A display can greatly enhance your gaming experience. It serves as the canvas that brings your beloved characters to life, and if your monitor is lagging or failing to meet the quality your games require, it may be time to consider an upgrade.

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**The AMD Ryzen 7 7700X: A Comprehensive Examination of an Incredible Bargain**

Computer parts are becoming more and more costly, making selective purchasing crucial for those aiming to construct or upgrade a PC. Thankfully, there is an outstanding bargain on the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X 8-Core, 16-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor that aspiring gamers and content creators should explore.

At present, you can find the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X for sale at a significantly decreased price of $252 on Amazon, down from its standard retail price of $399. This indicates savings of $147, or a 37% discount. For anyone in search of a high-performance processor, this deal is not to be missed.

### A Robust Processor with Major Discounts

The Ryzen 7 7700X features eight performance cores and sixteen threads, making it a perfect option for those involved in high refresh rate gaming, streaming, and content creation. Whether you’re assembling a new PC from scratch or upgrading an existing setup, outfitting it with the Ryzen 7 7700X guarantees that your system stays responsive and efficient as technology advances.

One of the key highlights of this processor is its capacity to manage several demanding tasks at once. You can run top-tier games, engage in voice chats, surf the web, and even record or stream gameplay—all without noticing a decrease in frames per second (FPS). The extra threads are essential for handling the intricacies of gaming logic while simultaneously supporting various background applications and capture software.

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**Baldur’s Gate 3: An Overlooked Chance for the Switch 2**

Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3), crafted by Larian Studios, is a critically acclaimed RPG situated in the Dungeons & Dragons realm that has received substantial praise. Its deep storyline, detailed character progression, and engaging gameplay distinguish it as a noteworthy title in contemporary gaming. Following its success on systems like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, conversations have emerged about the potential for BG3 to arrive on the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to elevate the gaming experience with capabilities such as mouse controls provided by its new Joy-Con 2 controllers. These innovations are particularly well-matched for a title like Baldur’s Gate 3, which thrives on point-and-click functionalities. The incorporation of these aspects could revitalize the game’s tactical gameplay approach, offering a distinctive experience for Switch users.

Nevertheless, during a recent Reddit AMA session, Larian CEO Swen Vincke disclosed that although they are eager to port BG3 to the Switch 2, the decision is not theirs to make. Vincke stated, “We would have loved to, but it wasn’t our decision to make.” This statement prompts inquiries regarding the stakeholders involved that might be obstructing a possible port.

There is speculation that the intricacies surrounding the intellectual property rights linked to Dungeons & Dragons, primarily controlled by Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast, could pose a significant obstacle. These companies have the power to establish the conditions under which their IP can be distributed or transformed, potentially imposing limitations on Larian’s capacity to pursue a Switch 2 adaptation.

While Nintendo’s desire to acquire high-quality titles for its platform is apparent, it remains uncertain whether they have contributed to impeding this collaboration from coming to fruition. The idea of a renowned RPG joining the Switch 2 collection appears mutually advantageous, yet hurdles continue to exist.

Despite the ongoing stalemate, the aspiration of playing a Faerûn adventure on the Switch 2 is not entirely gone. There is still a chance that Wizards of the Coast could enlist a third-party developer to manage the porting process independent of Larian Studios. However, Vincke’s vague reply suggests that if a Switch 2 version were genuinely in development, he likely would have hinted at it more explicitly.

To conclude, while the potential for Baldur’s Gate 3 on the Switch 2 looks hopeful, the elements impacting this decision are multifaceted. As enthusiasts of the franchise look forward to more updates, the desire to see their beloved RPG on Nintendo’s newest console continues, longing for what could become a revolutionary gaming experience.

New details keep emerging about Larian Studios’ upcoming RPG, thanks to a [January AMA](https://www.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/1q870w5/larian_studios_divinity_ama/) with several leads from the development team on Reddit. The game is currently in full production, and the creators of [Baldur’s Gate 3](https://kotaku.com/baldurs-gate-3-bg3-review-dungeons-dragons-rpg-larian-1850726491) are considering the timing for revealing the initial glimpses of actual gameplay. In the meantime, there are plenty of insights to digest from the latest Q&A, including discussions on co-op play, companion romances, and a potential Switch 2 port. Here’s everything new we recently discovered [about Divinity](https://kotaku.com/divinity-larian-trailer-turn-based-rpg-release-date-2000653105).

## Hand-crafted loot could make a comeback
Loot in *Divinity: Original Sin 1* and *2* was randomized, but Larian aims to implement a system similar to *Baldur’s Gate 3* for *Divinity*. “The *BG3* strategy of handcrafting every magic item was effective, and it’s something we’ve aspired to for *DOS2*,” stated head of design Nick Pechenin. “What we found while working on randomized loot for *DOS1* and *DOS2* is that complete randomization often leads to confusion, prompting us to create more rules and predefined patterns to enhance its intentionality. Ultimately, randomization didn’t save us as much time as we expected.”

## It’ll be developed with the same engine as *Baldur’s Gate 3*
Larian will continue to refine its existing Divinity Engine for the new game. It is not transitioning to Unreal Engine like some other RPG developers.

## Native keyboard movement controls?
Head of gameplay Artem Titov simply stated “no.”

## Naturally, *Divinity* will feature co-op
Following the trend of earlier titles, the next RPG will also support multiplayer at launch. “The number of players participating will depend on the final party size,” stated scripting director Bert Stevens. “However, since modding is part of this project as well, players will essentially have the freedom to expand this. There is no strict limit to the number of co-op players.”

## The aim with gameplay is to “embrace the chaos”
For those who enjoy completing quests in non-linear ways and forging their own path through a game, *Divinity* will uphold Larian’s tradition of embracing unique player behaviors. “The first thing we usually do during playtests is to run scenarios out of order, break them in every possible way, and see how far we can stretch the limits of what’s feasible,” noted writing director Adam Smith. “The greatest satisfaction I get is witnessing someone stray so far off the standard path that they believe we’ve lost track of them, only to discover something we placed there specifically for them.”

## *Divinity* might include swimming?
When a fan inquired about the new *Divinity* mechanic that Larian is most proud of, Pechenin provided a vague response. “There was something that troubled me while exploring the initial areas of *DOS1*, *DOS2*, and *BG3*,” he wrote. “It’s obvious if you think hard about it. In *Divinity*, I can finally accomplish what I wanted to do in all previous games.” Given that all three games begin near a beach, some speculate he refers to finally being able to dive into the water.

## It’s eliminating the magic armor system
*Divinity: Original Sin 2* introduced a mechanic separating armor for physical and magical damage. Thankfully, this will not be present in *Divinity*. “There will be methods to shield your characters from damage, but you won’t need to wait before you can unleash your exciting skills on enemies,” Pechenin wrote. “We are still developing a system that ensures you’ll need to exert more effort to stunlock solo bosses with level 1 skills, but it will not be linked to damage.”

## What about the tone?
The initial cinematic trailer presented a very dark and R-rated atmosphere. Will the remainder of the game follow that theme? According to Smith, *Divinity* definitely aims to be more “grounded” and incorporate some “folk horror elements,” while still containing ample humor, tragedy, and other emotional nuances. “I laughed out loud while reviewing a dialogue this morning!” he wrote. “I mentioned in a response to another question that a game of this scale needs significant tonal diversity.”

## How will the camera function in *Divinity*

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**Larian Studios: Advancing Companion Dynamics in RPGs**

Larian Studios, famous for its achievements with titles like *Baldur’s Gate 3* and the upcoming *Divinity*, recently conducted a Reddit AMA where the team shared their perspectives on narrative and character development. The discussion spanned a wide range of subjects, including the studio’s creative implementation of generative AI, ambitions for future endeavors, and insights gained from their thirty-year experience in game development.

A key takeaway from the AMA was the emphasis on enhancing the dynamics of companion relationships within their titles. Senior writer Kevin VanOrd highlighted the necessity of developing deeper, more intricate interactions among companions, striving to go beyond simple exchanges to forge genuine connections that reflect authentic friendships and rivalries.

### Companions and Their Relationships

VanOrd identified two primary areas for enhancement: improving companion interactions and adopting a more gradual approach to romantic relationships. He pointed out the studio’s objective to enable companions not only to develop relationships with the player but also to establish significant connections with one another. This signifies a wish for characters to feel more woven into the narrative rather than functioning as standalone figures.

Inspired by successful games like *Dragon Age: The Veilguard*, he noted that RPGs can greatly benefit from depicting character relationships that naturally evolve, regardless of the player’s influence. Scenarios like a mutual interest between characters can provide substantial backstory and enrich their interactions.

### Managing Romance in Upcoming Titles

Another important point raised was the pacing of romance in *Baldur’s Gate 3*. Certain players believed that characters like Gale and Halsin declared their affections too soon, resulting in a view that the romantic aspects felt somewhat contrived. To address this, Larian Studios acknowledged that rapid expressions of love were initially tied to a glitch in the game’s approval mechanism, and they are dedicated to embracing a more nuanced strategy in *Divinity* and forthcoming titles. The goal is to cultivate player relationships more subtly, encouraging a sense of organic development.

By considering players’ feedback regarding the sometimes overwhelming romantic pursuits, Larian aims to construct a more immersive emotional journey where players perceive their interactions with companions as significant and earned.

### Conclusion

The insights shared by Larian Studios in their recent Reddit AMA highlight a growing understanding of character dynamics in contemporary RPGs. By concentrating on more profound companionship interactions and reimagining the way romance develops, Larian is not only striving to enhance player engagement but also to transform the narrative frameworks that characterize role-playing games. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the studio’s dedication to refining character relationships signifies a major advancement toward creating more realistic and compelling storytelling in the genre.

As PC components such as RAM continue to be consumed by AI hyperscalers, resulting in increased costs and dwindling supplies, a major electronics retailer in Japan is depleting its inventory of computers and parts, urging customers to sell them their old PCs.

In recent months, the expense of building or upgrading a PC has risen. A primary factor contributing to this is AI-oriented tech firms acquiring PC components for the establishment of extensive data centers. It has become quite costly and difficult for the average consumer to purchase PC RAM and graphics cards, as companies like Micron cease to sell to individuals and increasingly concentrate on large corporations that purchase in large quantities. Prebuilt PCs from manufacturers such as HP, Dell, and Asus are also anticipated to experience a price hike of 15 to 20 percent, as reported by *PC World*. All these factors, along with tariffs creating additional issues, have resulted in a scarcity of PC parts and computers on store shelves, compelling one retailer to solicit the public for hardware.

On January 7, as noted by *PC-Watch* and *Tom’s Hardware*, Sofmap Gaming, a prominent electronics retailer in the Akihabara area of Tokyo, issued a somewhat urgent request. Here is the tweet text translated via machine translation:

“Um, as a favor, if you acquire a new PC, please sell your gaming PC to our company. We purchase them back at quite favorable prices. Whether it’s a gaming desktop or a laptop, or even a standard non-gaming one, we virtually buy any PC.”

Accompanying the tweet was an image of what seems to be a largely vacant shelf inside Sofmap Gaming with merely a few PCs and monitors remaining. “Gaming PCs, even second-hand ones, are truly out of stock at the moment. This is all we have,” stated Sofmap Gaming. The account is also engaging with nearly every user who responds with inquiries about what they can sell and the potential value.

With some analysts suggesting that the persistent demand for memory and other PC components, including GPUs, may persist as an issue until 2026 and possibly 2027, now could be an opportune moment to begin searching your home for any random pieces of hardware gathering dust. If the components aren’t too outdated, they could be worth a significant amount soon.