The Divinity Developer Details Its Use of AI Tools for New Divinity

The developer behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its new project, generating significant hype within the gaming community. However, recent statements from the company's co-founder have introduced nuance to the discussion, touching on the team's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a recent clarification, Larian's director outlined that the company is utilizing AI technology for particular ancillary functions. These include developing pitch decks, producing early-stage visual ideas, and writing draft dialogue.

Crucially, Vincke stressed that the final material in the game will be crafted exclusively by human writers. "Our team is creating all the content manually," he affirmed.

We are actively expanding our roster of writers and are busily assembling narrative groups.

Given that visual development is being specifically called out — we presently have twenty-three artistic staff and have positions available for additional creatives.

Each initiative we do is additive and designed to letting our team spend additional energy on making content.

Every ML tool used well is supplementary to a creative team workflow, not a replacement for their craft.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The news of using AI originally provoked unease among a segment of the community. In reaction, Vincke issued more elaboration on social media.

"At Larian, we employ these tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use search engines and physical media," he stated. "During the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then substitute with authentic artwork."

He continued, "Larian brings on creatives for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to follow what a algorithm proposes."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past detailed the team's targeted approach to machine learning, grouping its use into primary pillars:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes refining animations, audio processing, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to speedily create simple versions of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts prior to complete development.
• Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how machine learning could in the future create emergent reactivity, particularly in creating player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.

He clearly affirmed that central narrative areas — including visual art — are are in no way departments where the studio is replacing artistic involvement. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these very roles.

"We are not releasing a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not planning on cutting staff to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.