The Divinity Developer Details Its Application of AI Tools for New Divinity Game

The studio behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its next major project, sparking a wave of hype within the player base. However, subsequent statements from the company's co-founder have brought nuance to the narrative, focusing on the developer's philosophy toward generative artificial intelligence.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a latest message, Swen Vincke explained that the developer is using machine learning for certain preliminary functions. These include fleshing out pitch decks, creating rough concept art, and drafting temporary text.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the end assets in the game will be crafted solely by real creatives. "Larian is creating all the content manually," he stated.

Larian is continuously increasing our pool of concept artists and are busily forming dedicated writer rooms.

Given that concept art is being specifically mentioned — we presently have 23 concept artists and have job openings for additional creatives.

Each initiative we do is incremental and designed to having people spend greater focus on making content.

Any ML tool used well is a boost to a developer's process, not a substitute for their craft.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The news of using AI originally sparked concern among some the community. In response, Vincke provided further elaboration on public forums.

"Our team utilizes these tools to research ideas, in the same way we use search engines and reference books," he stated. "In the very early planning process we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then substitute with authentic illustrations."

He continued, "Our studio recruits artists for their inherent skill, not for their ability to execute what a machine suggests."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had in the past broken down the company's focused strategy to machine learning, categorizing its use into primary functions:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using systems to speedily create basic versions of gameplay ideas to test concepts ahead of complete development.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how machine learning could in the future enhance new forms of gameplay, specifically in creating dynamic reactions in a complex RPG.

He explicitly stated that key artistic disciplines — like writing — are not departments where the studio is cutting creative input. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these very fields.

"Our studio is neither launching a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not considering cutting teams to substitute them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.