The Divinity Developer Explains Its Use of AI Tools for Next Project

The studio behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its new project, sparking a wave of anticipation within the player base. However, subsequent statements from the company's figurehead have brought a new dimension to the discussion, touching on the developer's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a recent message, Larian's director detailed that the developer is utilizing generative AI for particular supporting purposes. These include developing PowerPoint slides, producing rough concept art, and creating draft dialogue.

Crucially, Vincke emphasized that the end content in the game will be created exclusively by human artists. "Our team is creating all the content ourselves," he stated.

We are actively increasing our roster of concept artists and are busily assembling narrative groups.

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

Everything we do is incremental and focused on having people spend greater focus on the creative process.

Every machine learning application implemented properly is a boost to a creative team process, not a replacement for their skill.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The news of AI usage at first generated concern among some the fanbase. In response, Vincke provided more clarification on online platforms.

"We use these tools to research ideas, similar to we use Google and reference books," he explained. "During the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then replace with hand-crafted illustrations."

He added, "Our studio recruits creatives for their unique talent, not for their capacity to execute what a AI generates."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had in the past detailed the studio's practical method to AI and ML, grouping its use into primary functions:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like polishing mocap data, voice editing, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create rough models of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts prior to complete production.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how machine learning could in the future create new forms of gameplay, specifically in creating player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.

He explicitly stated that key artistic disciplines — such as writing — are not areas where the team is replacing human involvement. On the contrary, Larian is expanding its staff in these very roles.

"Larian is neither launching a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not planning on cutting creatives to substitute them with AI," Vincke concluded.