The Divinity Developer Explains Its Implementation of AI Tools for Next Divinity Game

The studio behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently unveiled its next major project, sparking immense anticipation within the industry. However, recent remarks from the studio's co-founder have brought nuance to the discussion, touching on the team's philosophy toward AI tools.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a new clarification, Larian's director outlined that the company is using machine learning for particular supporting functions. These involve fleshing out PowerPoint slides, producing early-stage concept art, and writing temporary text.

Notably, Vincke emphasized that the shipping content in the game will be created exclusively by real creatives. "We are writing all the content ourselves," he said.

Our studio is constantly growing our pool of writers and are actively assembling narrative groups.

As this area is being particularly mentioned — we presently have 23 visual developers and have job openings for additional artists.

Everything we do is supplementary and designed to enabling creatives to spend greater focus on the creative process.

Every AI system applied correctly is a boost to a developer's process, never a stand-in for their talent.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The admission of employing this technology at first sparked concern among some the community. In reply, Vincke provided more detail on public forums.

"Our team utilizes these tools to explore references, in the same way we use search engines and physical media," he explained. "In the very early planning process we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then replace with original illustrations."

He added, "Larian brings on artists for their unique talent, not for their capacity to follow what a algorithm proposes."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had in the past outlined the team's focused method to AI and ML, defining its use into primary functions:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to rapidly prototype basic mock-ups of scenarios to test concepts prior to complete production.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how machine learning could eventually facilitate emergent player agency, particularly in simulating unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.

He specifically stated that core creative areas — including music composition — are are absolutely not areas where the studio is cutting human input. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these exact positions.

"Our studio is not launching a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not considering reducing creatives to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.