The Divinity Developer Details Its Implementation of Generative AI for New Project

The developer behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its upcoming project, generating immense hype within the gaming community. However, follow-up comments from the studio's co-founder have brought a new dimension to the conversation, focusing on the team's approach toward machine learning.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a recent message, Larian's director detailed that the team is utilizing AI technology for certain ancillary functions. These encompass developing PowerPoint slides, generating initial artistic references, and creating temporary dialogue.

Crucially, Vincke stressed that the shipping content in the game will be crafted solely by actual creatives. "Our team is writing all the content in-house," he affirmed.

Our studio is continuously increasing our pool of storytellers and are currently putting together dedicated writer rooms.

As this area is being explicitly called out — we currently have over twenty concept artists and have job openings for further talent.

All our efforts we do is supplementary and designed to letting our team spend additional energy on actual creation.

Any ML tool implemented properly is supplementary to a artist's process, never a stand-in for their talent.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The revelation of AI usage originally sparked concern among some the community. In response, Vincke provided further clarification on public forums.

"We use machine learning to explore references, in the same way we use the internet and physical media," he explained. "In the initial ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then swap out with authentic artwork."

He noted, "We've hired artists for their unique talent, not for their capacity to execute what a algorithm proposes."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had previously outlined the studio's focused method to this technology, categorizing its use into primary pillars:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to quickly build simple models of gameplay ideas to validate concepts prior to full implementation.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how machine learning could one day enhance new forms of reactivity, specifically in simulating unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world.

He clearly affirmed that central narrative areas — such as music composition — are not departments where the team is cutting creative involvement. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these precise fields.

"Larian is not releasing a game with any AI components, nor planning on trimming down staff to swap them out with AI," Vincke summarized.