The Divinity Developer Details Its Use of Generative AI for Upcoming Divinity
The developer behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its upcoming project, sparking significant excitement within the gaming community. However, subsequent remarks from the company's co-founder have introduced a new dimension to the narrative, touching on the developer's philosophy toward machine learning.
AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute
In a latest statement, the studio's founder explained that the team is utilizing AI technology for certain preliminary purposes. These encompass developing PowerPoint slides, generating rough artistic references, and drafting temporary copy.
Importantly, Vincke made clear that the final material in the game will be authored entirely by real writers. "Larian is creating all the content in-house," he affirmed.
Larian is continuously expanding our pool of storytellers and are currently forming writing teams.
Given that visual development is being specifically called out — we presently have over twenty visual developers and have positions available for further talent.
Everything we do is additive and designed to having people spend more time on actual creation.
Any ML tool implemented properly is supplementary to a developer's routine, not a substitute for their talent.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The news of AI usage originally generated unease among portions of the community. In response, Vincke offered further elaboration on social media.
"Our team utilizes AI tools to research ideas, just like we use Google and reference books," he stated. "During the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then swap out with original concept art."
He noted, "Our studio recruits artists for their unique talent, not for their ability to execute what a machine suggests."
Three Pillars of Practical Application
Vincke had previously broken down the team's targeted strategy to AI and ML, defining its use into three main pillars:
- Automation of Tedious Tasks: This encompasses refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create rough mock-ups of mechanics to validate concepts before full production.
- Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how AI could one day create emergent player agency, particularly in managing player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.
He clearly stated that key artistic domains — like music composition — are are absolutely not departments where the company is replacing creative talent. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these precise fields.
"We are not shipping a game with any AI components, nor looking at trimming down teams to substitute them with AI," Vincke concluded.
