The Divinity Developer Explains Its Use of Generative AI for Next Project
The team behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its new project, sparking a wave of excitement within the player base. However, follow-up comments from the studio's figurehead have added clarity to the discussion, focusing on the studio's approach toward AI tools.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a latest statement, the studio's founder explained that the company is utilizing machine learning for certain supporting tasks. These encompass developing PowerPoint slides, producing rough artistic references, and creating temporary copy.
Notably, Vincke made clear that the end material in the game will be authored solely by human creatives. "We are developing everything manually," he affirmed.
Our studio is actively expanding our team of writers and are actively forming writing teams.
Given that concept art is being particularly mentioned — we right now have over twenty artistic staff and have positions available for additional talent.
Everything we do is additive and designed to enabling creatives to spend additional energy on making content.
Any machine learning application used well is additive to a developer's routine, never a stand-in for their craft.
Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent
The news of using AI originally provoked backlash among a segment of the fanbase. In reply, Vincke provided further clarification on public forums.
"We use AI tools to gather inspiration, similar to we use Google and physical media," he explained. "During the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then substitute with authentic illustrations."
He noted, "We've hired artists for their unique talent, not for their willingness to follow what a algorithm proposes."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had earlier broken down the company's focused approach to this technology, grouping its use into three main functions:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes polishing mocap data, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to speedily create simple versions of mechanics to validate concepts before full implementation.
- Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how machine learning could in the future enhance new forms of gameplay, especially in managing unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world.
He clearly affirmed that central narrative areas — such as visual art — are not departments where the company is replacing artistic input. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these precise roles.
"Larian is not shipping a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not considering reducing teams to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.
