The Divinity Developer Details Its Use of Machine Learning for Upcoming Project

The studio behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its new project, creating significant hype within the player base. However, recent comments from the studio's figurehead have brought nuance to the conversation, addressing the developer's approach toward AI tools.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new message, the studio's founder explained that the developer is using AI technology for specific preliminary tasks. These encompass enhancing PowerPoint slides, producing early-stage concept art, and writing temporary copy.

Notably, Vincke made clear that the final content in the game will be created solely by real creatives. "Our team is creating everything ourselves," he stated.

Our studio is continuously growing our team of concept artists and are busily forming narrative groups.

Given that concept art is being explicitly mentioned — we currently have twenty-three visual developers and have roles to fill for more artists.

Each initiative we do is supplementary and aimed at having people spend greater focus on making content.

Any AI system used well is additive to a creative team workflow, not a replacement for their talent.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The revelation of employing this technology at first generated unease among a segment of the player base. In reaction, Vincke offered further elaboration on online platforms.

"At Larian, we employ AI tools to research ideas, in the same way we use search engines and physical media," he explained. "During the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then replace with hand-crafted illustrations."

He continued, "Larian brings on talent for their unique talent, not for their ability to follow what a AI generates."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past detailed the studio's focused strategy to this technology, grouping its use into primary pillars:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to speedily create basic models of mechanics to experiment with concepts ahead of complete production.
• Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how AI could one day enhance emergent reactivity, particularly in managing unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.

He specifically affirmed that central narrative domains — such as visual art — are are in no way fields where the team is reducing human input. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these precise fields.

"Larian is not releasing a game with any AI components, nor considering reducing teams to substitute them with AI," Vincke summarized.