The Divinity Developer Explains Its Implementation of Generative AI for Upcoming Project

The studio behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its upcoming project, sparking a wave of excitement within the industry. However, recent statements from the studio's co-founder have added nuance to the conversation, touching on the developer's approach toward machine learning.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a recent message, the studio's founder outlined that the developer is utilizing machine learning for specific supporting tasks. These involve fleshing out presentation materials, creating early-stage artistic references, and drafting temporary text.

Crucially, Vincke made clear that the shipping assets in the game will be authored exclusively by actual writers. "Our team is developing everything in-house," he affirmed.

Larian is actively growing our roster of storytellers and are currently forming writing teams.

Given that visual development is being explicitly referenced — we presently have over twenty artistic staff and have job openings for more creatives.

Each initiative we do is additive and focused on having people spend more time on actual creation.

Any AI system used well is additive to a artist's workflow, not a substitute for their skill.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of AI usage originally sparked concern among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke offered additional detail on public forums.

"At Larian, we employ AI tools to explore references, similar to we use Google and art books," he wrote. "In the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then swap out with authentic concept art."

He noted, "Our studio recruits creatives for their inherent skill, not for their ability to execute what a machine suggests."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had previously outlined the company's targeted method to this technology, defining its use into three main pillars:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to rapidly prototype basic mock-ups of scenarios to experiment with concepts ahead of expensive implementation.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how AI could in the future create innovative gameplay, especially in managing unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.

He explicitly stated that key artistic disciplines — including visual art — are are absolutely not departments where the studio is reducing creative input. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these precise fields.

"We are not shipping a game with AI-generated content, nor looking at reducing creatives to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.