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

The studio behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its new project, sparking a wave of excitement within the industry. However, subsequent remarks from the studio's co-founder have added clarity to the discussion, focusing on the team's approach toward machine learning.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a latest message, Larian's director detailed that the company is utilizing machine learning for specific supporting purposes. These encompass enhancing presentation materials, creating early-stage concept art, and drafting draft text.

Crucially, Vincke emphasized that the end assets in the game will be created exclusively by human writers. "We are developing all the content manually," he said.

Larian is constantly increasing our roster of storytellers and are busily putting together dedicated writer rooms.

Given that this area is being explicitly called out — we presently have twenty-three concept artists and have positions available for additional creatives.

Everything we do is supplementary and focused on having people spend additional energy on the creative process.

Any machine learning application applied correctly is additive to a creative team workflow, never a stand-in for their talent.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of using AI originally provoked concern among some the player base. In response, Vincke issued additional detail on online platforms.

"Our team utilizes machine learning to explore references, just like we use search engines and physical media," he wrote. "During the initial ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then substitute with authentic artwork."

He added, "Larian brings on talent for their inherent skill, not for their ability to execute what a algorithm proposes."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had previously broken down the studio's targeted strategy to machine learning, defining its use into primary pillars:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses refining animations, audio processing, and Larian-specific work like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create simple versions of gameplay ideas to validate concepts prior to complete production.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how machine learning could one day facilitate emergent player agency, specifically in simulating dynamic reactions in a complex RPG.

He explicitly affirmed that central narrative areas — including visual art — are not departments where the team is replacing human involvement. Conversely, Larian is expanding its staff in these very roles.

"Our studio is not launching a game with any AI components, nor planning on reducing creatives to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.