The Divinity Developer Clarifies Its Implementation of AI Tools for Next Project

The studio behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its upcoming project, sparking significant anticipation within the gaming community. However, subsequent comments from the studio's co-founder have introduced clarity to the conversation, touching on the team's philosophy toward machine learning.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a recent statement, Larian's director detailed that the developer is utilizing AI technology for specific ancillary functions. These encompass enhancing pitch decks, creating initial visual ideas, and creating temporary dialogue.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the final assets in the game will be crafted solely by human artists. "Larian is writing every line ourselves," he stated.

Larian is continuously expanding our team of storytellers and are busily putting together writing teams.

Since concept art is being particularly mentioned — we presently have 23 artistic staff and have roles to fill for additional creatives.

Everything we do is supplementary and aimed at having people spend greater focus on the creative process.

Any machine learning application applied correctly is a boost to a developer's workflow, never a stand-in for their craft.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The admission of AI usage at first provoked concern among some the player base. In reply, Vincke issued more detail on public forums.

"Our team utilizes these tools to gather inspiration, similar to we use the internet and art books," he explained. "During the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then swap out with original illustrations."

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

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past outlined the studio's focused strategy to machine learning, defining its use into primary pillars:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using systems to speedily create simple versions of scenarios to test concepts before complete development.
• Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how machine learning could one day create innovative player agency, specifically in simulating dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.

He clearly noted that central narrative domains — such as visual art — are are in no way areas where the company is replacing human involvement. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these very positions.

"Larian is neither releasing a game with machine-made assets, nor looking at cutting staff to swap them out with AI," Vincke concluded.