The Divinity Developer Clarifies Its Use of Generative AI for Next Project
The studio behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its upcoming project, generating significant hype within the player base. However, subsequent statements from the company's co-founder have introduced nuance to the narrative, focusing on the developer's philosophy toward machine learning.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a latest message, Swen Vincke detailed that the team is employing generative AI for specific ancillary purposes. These include enhancing PowerPoint slides, creating rough concept art, and writing placeholder dialogue.
Notably, Vincke made clear that the final content in the game will be crafted exclusively by actual artists. "Larian is creating everything in-house," he affirmed.
Larian is actively growing our team of concept artists and are actively assembling narrative groups.
As visual development is being specifically mentioned — we right now have twenty-three concept artists and have job openings for further talent.
Everything we do is supplementary and designed to enabling creatives to spend additional energy on actual creation.
Every AI system implemented properly is a boost to a artist's process, never a stand-in for their skill.
Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent
The admission of using AI initially provoked backlash among a segment of the fanbase. In response, Vincke offered additional elaboration on online platforms.
"Our team utilizes machine learning to explore references, just like we use search engines and art books," he wrote. "During the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then substitute with authentic illustrations."
He added, "Larian brings on talent for their unique talent, not for their capacity to execute what a machine suggests."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had in the past detailed the team's focused strategy to AI and ML, categorizing its use into primary pillars:
- Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
- Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using systems to quickly build basic mock-ups of scenarios to test concepts before full implementation.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Investigating how AI could eventually enhance innovative player agency, particularly in simulating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.
He specifically affirmed that central narrative domains — including visual art — are not fields where the studio is replacing artistic talent. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these very positions.
"We are neither releasing a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not considering trimming down staff to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.
