The Divinity Developer Clarifies Its Application of Generative AI for Next Divinity Game

The developer behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its upcoming project, creating significant excitement within the industry. However, recent remarks from the studio's co-founder have added clarity to the conversation, touching on the team's philosophy toward AI tools.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest clarification, the studio's founder detailed that the developer is using machine learning for particular supporting tasks. These encompass developing presentation materials, creating early-stage artistic references, and creating temporary dialogue.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the shipping assets in the game will be crafted exclusively by human creatives. "Our team is creating everything ourselves," he affirmed.

Larian is constantly growing our pool of concept artists and are currently assembling dedicated writer rooms.

Given that visual development is being explicitly mentioned — we currently have twenty-three concept artists and have positions available for further artists.

Everything we do is additive and focused on enabling creatives to spend additional energy on the creative process.

Every ML tool implemented properly is supplementary to a artist's workflow, not a substitute for their craft.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of employing this technology at first generated unease among some the community. In response, Vincke issued further clarification on online platforms.

"We use machine learning to gather inspiration, in the same way we use the internet and reference books," he wrote. "In the conceptual planning process we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then swap out with hand-crafted artwork."

He noted, "Our studio recruits creatives for their unique talent, not for their capacity to execute what a algorithm proposes."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had in the past detailed the team's targeted approach to machine learning, categorizing its use into key functions:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to rapidly prototype simple models of scenarios to validate concepts ahead of complete implementation.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Investigating how AI could in the future enhance innovative gameplay, particularly in creating unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.

He clearly stated that core creative disciplines — including visual art — are are in no way areas where the studio is reducing human input. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these precise roles.

"We are not launching a game with any AI components, nor considering reducing creatives to swap them out with AI," Vincke stated definitively.