The Divinity Developer Clarifies Its Application of Generative AI for Upcoming Divinity Game

The developer behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its upcoming project, generating immense hype within the industry. However, recent statements from the company's co-founder have brought a new dimension to the narrative, focusing on the developer's approach toward AI tools.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest clarification, the studio's founder outlined that the team is using machine learning for specific supporting purposes. These involve enhancing PowerPoint slides, producing initial visual ideas, and drafting placeholder text.

Notably, Vincke made clear that the final content in the game will be authored solely by real writers. "Our team is writing every line ourselves," he stated.

Our studio is continuously expanding our pool of storytellers and are busily putting together dedicated writer rooms.

As concept art is being particularly called out — we currently have over twenty visual developers and have roles to fill for more artists.

Everything we do is additive and focused on letting our team spend additional energy on actual creation.

Every machine learning application used well is supplementary to a developer's workflow, never a stand-in for their craft.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The news of AI usage at first sparked backlash among a segment of the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke provided further detail on public forums.

"Our team utilizes these tools to gather inspiration, just like we use search engines and physical media," he stated. "During the very early ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then replace with hand-crafted artwork."

He noted, "Larian brings on talent for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to execute what a machine suggests."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had earlier broken down the studio's focused method to AI and ML, categorizing its use into primary pillars:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses polishing mocap data, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to speedily create basic versions of scenarios to test concepts before expensive implementation.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how AI could eventually facilitate innovative player agency, especially in simulating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.

He specifically noted that core creative areas — like visual art — are not departments where the studio is cutting artistic talent. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these exact roles.

"Our studio is not releasing a game with AI-generated content, nor looking at cutting teams to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.