The Divinity Developer Clarifies Its Application of Generative AI for Upcoming Divinity

The studio behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its new project, generating a wave of anticipation within the player base. However, subsequent comments from the company's co-founder have introduced a new dimension to the discussion, focusing on the team's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a recent statement, Larian's director detailed that the team is employing generative AI for particular ancillary functions. These encompass enhancing PowerPoint slides, creating early-stage visual ideas, and drafting placeholder dialogue.

Crucially, Vincke emphasized that the shipping content in the game will be authored entirely by actual writers. "We are creating everything ourselves," he stated.

We are actively expanding our roster of concept artists and are actively forming writing teams.

Given that this area is being specifically mentioned — we presently have over twenty concept artists and have job openings for more creatives.

All our efforts we do is incremental and aimed at having people spend additional energy on the creative process.

Every ML tool used well is a boost to a creative team routine, not a substitute for their skill.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of using AI originally generated backlash among a segment of the fanbase. In response, Vincke provided more detail on social media.

"At Larian, we employ machine learning to gather inspiration, in the same way we use Google and physical media," he stated. "In the initial planning process we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then substitute with original artwork."

He added, "Our studio recruits artists for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to follow what a algorithm proposes."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had in the past broken down the team's targeted approach to this technology, grouping its use into primary areas:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using tools to speedily create simple models of scenarios to test concepts prior to complete production.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how machine learning could eventually enhance emergent reactivity, especially in creating player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.

He explicitly noted that core creative domains — including music composition — are not departments where the studio is replacing artistic input. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these very positions.

"Larian is neither launching a game with any AI components, nor considering reducing staff to substitute them with AI," Vincke summarized.