The Divinity Developer Clarifies Its Implementation of AI Tools for Upcoming Project

The studio behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its upcoming project, creating significant anticipation within the player base. However, recent statements from the studio's figurehead have brought clarity to the discussion, focusing on the developer's stance toward machine learning.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a latest statement, the studio's founder detailed that the team is employing AI technology for specific supporting functions. These include enhancing presentation materials, creating early-stage concept art, and drafting draft dialogue.

Importantly, Vincke stressed that the final content in the game will be crafted entirely by human creatives. "Our team is developing everything manually," he stated.

Larian is constantly increasing our roster of concept artists and are currently assembling dedicated writer rooms.

Given that visual development is being specifically referenced — we right now have twenty-three concept artists and have roles to fill for further creatives.

Each initiative we do is supplementary and focused on enabling creatives to spend greater focus on the creative process.

Every ML tool used well is additive to a developer's workflow, not a substitute for their skill.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The admission of using AI originally provoked unease among portions of the player base. In reaction, Vincke provided additional clarification on public forums.

"At Larian, we employ machine learning to research ideas, in the same way we use Google and physical media," he explained. "In the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then swap out with authentic illustrations."

He added, "We've hired creatives for their creative vision, not for their willingness to follow what a machine suggests."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past broken down the team's focused approach to this technology, defining its use into primary functions:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes refining animations, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to quickly build rough mock-ups of mechanics to validate concepts prior to complete production.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how AI could one day facilitate emergent gameplay, particularly in managing dynamic reactions in a complex RPG.

He specifically affirmed that core creative disciplines — like visual art — are not areas where the company is cutting creative input. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these exact fields.

"Our studio is neither shipping a game with AI-generated content, nor looking at cutting teams to replace them with AI," Vincke concluded.