The Divinity Developer Details Its Implementation of Generative AI for Upcoming Project
The developer behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its new project, generating a wave of hype within the player base. However, follow-up comments from the company's co-founder have brought nuance to the conversation, addressing the team's philosophy toward AI tools.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a new statement, Larian's director detailed that the developer is using machine learning for certain ancillary functions. These encompass fleshing out presentation materials, producing rough visual ideas, and drafting draft dialogue.
Importantly, Vincke made clear that the shipping content in the game will be created entirely by human artists. "We are creating everything in-house," he stated.
Our studio is continuously growing our team of storytellers and are actively forming writing teams.
Given that this area is being particularly called out — we currently have twenty-three concept artists and have positions available for additional artists.
Everything we do is supplementary and focused on letting our team spend more time on actual creation.
Every ML tool used well is supplementary to a developer's routine, not a substitute for their talent.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The news of using AI at first provoked concern among some the community. In reply, Vincke offered further detail on online platforms.
"Our team utilizes AI tools to explore references, similar to we use search engines and reference books," he wrote. "In the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then swap out with original artwork."
He continued, "Larian brings on creatives for their creative vision, not for their ability to follow what a algorithm proposes."
Focused Uses for Machine Learning
Vincke had earlier outlined the company's practical approach to AI and ML, defining its use into three main functions:
- Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes polishing mocap data, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to quickly build rough mock-ups of scenarios to experiment with concepts prior to full development.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how AI could one day create innovative gameplay, specifically in simulating unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world.
He explicitly affirmed that core creative areas — including visual art — are not areas where the team is cutting human input. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these precise roles.
"Our studio is neither releasing a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not planning on cutting teams to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.
