The Divinity Developer Clarifies Its Use of Machine Learning for Next Project

The team behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its upcoming project, sparking significant excitement within the industry. However, recent statements from the company's lead designer have brought nuance to the discussion, addressing the developer's stance toward AI tools.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a new statement, Larian's director detailed that the developer is utilizing machine learning for particular supporting functions. These include enhancing PowerPoint slides, producing initial concept art, and drafting temporary text.

Crucially, Vincke stressed that the end content in the game will be crafted exclusively by real writers. "We are creating every line manually," he said.

Our studio is constantly increasing our team of concept artists and are actively putting together writing teams.

As this area is being explicitly called out — we right now have 23 visual developers and have positions available for more talent.

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

Every ML tool applied correctly is a boost to a creative team workflow, not a substitute for their talent.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The admission of using AI originally provoked backlash among a segment of the player base. In reaction, Vincke offered more detail on public forums.

"Our team utilizes AI tools to explore references, in the same way we use Google and reference books," he wrote. "In the initial ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then swap out with original concept art."

He continued, "Our studio recruits creatives for their unique talent, not for their willingness to follow what a algorithm proposes."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had earlier broken down the studio's practical approach to machine learning, categorizing its use into key functions:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to rapidly prototype basic models of scenarios to validate concepts before full development.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how AI could in the future facilitate new forms of gameplay, especially in managing unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.

He specifically noted that central narrative domains — such as visual art — are are in no way areas where the team is reducing human involvement. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these precise positions.

"Larian is neither shipping a game with AI-generated content, nor looking at trimming down staff to swap them out with AI," Vincke stated definitively.