The Divinity Developer Details Its Application of AI Tools for Next Project

The studio behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its next major project, generating immense hype within the industry. However, recent statements from the company's figurehead have added clarity to the conversation, focusing on the studio's stance toward machine learning.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest clarification, Larian's director outlined that the developer is utilizing machine learning for certain ancillary purposes. These include developing PowerPoint slides, producing initial visual ideas, and drafting placeholder text.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the shipping material in the game will be created exclusively by actual writers. "We are creating everything in-house," he stated.

Larian is continuously expanding our roster of storytellers and are actively forming narrative groups.

Since concept art is being particularly mentioned — we currently have over twenty visual developers and have job openings for further creatives.

All our efforts we do is supplementary and aimed at letting our team spend greater focus on the creative process.

Every ML tool implemented properly is additive to a creative team workflow, not a replacement for their talent.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The revelation of AI usage at first generated unease among portions of the fanbase. In response, Vincke issued further elaboration on social media.

"Our team utilizes AI tools to research ideas, similar to we use the internet and reference books," he explained. "In the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then swap out with hand-crafted illustrations."

He continued, "We've hired talent for their unique talent, not for their ability to replicate what a machine suggests."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had previously broken down the company's targeted method to AI and ML, grouping its use into key pillars:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using tools to rapidly prototype basic mock-ups of scenarios to validate concepts ahead of full implementation.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how AI could eventually create emergent gameplay, particularly in managing player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.

He specifically affirmed that central narrative areas — like music composition — are are in no way areas where the company is cutting artistic talent. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these exact roles.

"We are not shipping a game with AI-generated content, nor looking at reducing creatives to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.