The Divinity Developer Details Its Use of Generative AI for Upcoming Divinity Game
The developer behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its new project, generating a wave of excitement within the player base. However, recent comments from the studio's figurehead have brought a new dimension to the conversation, focusing on the studio's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a new statement, Larian's director detailed that the team is using generative AI for specific supporting functions. These include fleshing out PowerPoint slides, producing rough artistic references, and drafting draft text.
Importantly, Vincke made clear that the final content in the game will be created exclusively by actual artists. "Larian is writing all the content ourselves," he said.
Our studio is continuously expanding our roster of concept artists and are currently assembling writing teams.
As this area is being explicitly referenced — we currently have twenty-three visual developers and have roles to fill for more creatives.
Each initiative we do is incremental and focused on letting our team spend greater focus on the creative process.
Every machine learning application used well is supplementary to a creative team process, not a replacement for their craft.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The admission of employing this technology initially sparked backlash among portions of the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke offered further elaboration on social media.
"At Larian, we employ AI tools to explore references, in the same way we use search engines and art books," he stated. "During the very early planning process we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then swap out with hand-crafted concept art."
He continued, "Larian brings on creatives for their inherent skill, not for their ability to execute what a AI generates."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had previously outlined the studio's targeted method to machine learning, grouping its use into three main functions:
- Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like polishing mocap data, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to quickly build simple models of gameplay ideas to validate concepts ahead of complete production.
- Experimental Frontiers: Exploring how AI could one day facilitate emergent gameplay, especially in managing dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.
He clearly noted that core creative disciplines — such as music composition — are are absolutely not departments where the team is replacing artistic involvement. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these precise roles.
"Our studio is neither releasing a game with any AI components, nor planning on reducing creatives to substitute them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.
