The Divinity Developer Clarifies Its Application of Machine Learning for Upcoming Project
The studio behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its next major project, sparking immense anticipation within the gaming community. However, subsequent comments from the studio's co-founder have added clarity to the conversation, focusing on the developer's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a new message, Larian's director detailed that the developer is utilizing generative AI for certain supporting functions. These encompass developing presentation materials, generating rough concept art, and creating draft text.
Crucially, Vincke stressed that the final content in the game will be crafted exclusively by real artists. "We are creating everything ourselves," he stated.
Our studio is constantly expanding our pool of writers and are actively forming narrative groups.
Given that this area is being explicitly referenced — we presently have 23 artistic staff and have job openings for more creatives.
Each initiative we do is additive and designed to enabling creatives to spend more time on making content.
Every ML tool used well is a boost to a artist's workflow, not a replacement for their craft.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The news of using AI initially generated concern among some the player base. In reaction, Vincke provided more elaboration on social media.
"Our team utilizes these tools to explore references, just like we use Google and reference books," he explained. "During the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then swap out with authentic concept art."
He added, "Larian brings on creatives for their creative vision, not for their capacity to replicate what a algorithm proposes."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had in the past broken down the company's practical approach to this technology, categorizing its use into key functions:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like polishing mocap data, voice editing, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to speedily create rough models of mechanics to validate concepts before complete development.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how AI could one day create emergent gameplay, specifically in simulating dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.
He specifically affirmed that central narrative domains — including writing — are not areas where the team is reducing creative talent. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these precise fields.
"Larian is not releasing a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not planning on reducing staff to replace them with AI," Vincke concluded.
