The Divinity Developer Details Its Implementation of AI Tools for New Divinity

The team behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its new project, generating significant hype within the industry. However, subsequent comments from the company's co-founder have added nuance to the conversation, addressing the studio's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a recent clarification, Larian's director explained that the company is using machine learning for certain supporting functions. These involve fleshing out PowerPoint slides, creating rough concept art, and drafting placeholder copy.

Crucially, Vincke made clear that the final assets in the game will be authored entirely by human creatives. "We are writing all the content ourselves," he affirmed.

Our studio is actively growing our team of writers and are busily assembling dedicated writer rooms.

Given that this area is being explicitly referenced — we right now have over twenty concept artists and have positions available for more artists.

Each initiative we do is additive and designed to having people spend greater focus on actual creation.

Every machine learning application used well is a boost to a artist's process, not a substitute for their skill.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The news of employing this technology at first provoked unease among a segment of the community. In reaction, Vincke issued additional clarification on social media.

"Our team utilizes AI tools to explore references, similar to we use the internet and art books," he wrote. "During the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then replace with hand-crafted concept art."

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

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past detailed the studio's focused approach to AI and ML, grouping its use into key pillars:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create simple mock-ups of mechanics to experiment with concepts prior to complete production.
• Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how AI could eventually facilitate emergent gameplay, specifically in creating dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.

He clearly affirmed that central narrative areas — like visual art — are are absolutely not departments where the team is replacing human involvement. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these very positions.

"We are not releasing a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not looking at reducing teams to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.