The Divinity Developer Details Its Application of Generative AI for Next Divinity Game
The developer behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently unveiled its upcoming project, sparking significant excitement within the player base. However, recent statements from the studio's lead designer have introduced clarity to the narrative, touching on the studio's approach toward AI tools.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a new clarification, Larian's director detailed that the team is utilizing generative AI for certain supporting functions. These involve fleshing out presentation materials, generating initial visual ideas, and writing placeholder text.
Notably, Vincke made clear that the end content in the game will be crafted entirely by human creatives. "We are creating every line manually," he affirmed.
We are constantly increasing our roster of writers and are currently assembling writing teams.
Since concept art is being explicitly called out — we presently have over twenty artistic staff and have job openings for more talent.
Each initiative we do is incremental and focused on having people spend additional energy on the creative process.
Any AI system implemented properly is a boost to a artist's process, never a stand-in for their talent.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The admission of AI usage originally sparked unease among some the community. In reaction, Vincke provided further clarification on public forums.
"Our team utilizes these tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use search engines and art books," he wrote. "In the very early ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then swap out with hand-crafted concept art."
He noted, "Larian brings on artists for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to replicate what a machine suggests."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had in the past detailed the company's practical strategy to machine learning, defining its use into key areas:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
- Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to speedily create basic models of mechanics to experiment with concepts ahead of complete development.
- Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how AI could one day facilitate new forms of gameplay, especially in creating dynamic reactions in a complex RPG.
He specifically affirmed that central narrative disciplines — including music composition — are not departments where the team is reducing creative input. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these exact fields.
"We are neither releasing a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not planning on cutting staff to replace them with AI," Vincke concluded.
