The Divinity Developer Explains Its Application of Generative AI for New Project

The studio behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its new project, sparking significant hype within the industry. However, recent statements from the studio's lead designer have introduced clarity to the narrative, addressing the studio's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a new clarification, the studio's founder outlined that the developer is utilizing generative AI for particular preliminary tasks. These involve enhancing presentation materials, generating initial visual ideas, and writing temporary text.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the end content in the game will be authored entirely by actual creatives. "We are creating every line manually," he affirmed.

Larian is continuously expanding our team of concept artists and are currently putting together dedicated writer rooms.

As this area is being particularly mentioned — we presently have 23 concept artists and have positions available for more creatives.

Each initiative we do is incremental and designed to having people spend additional energy on actual creation.

Any ML tool applied correctly is a boost to a artist's process, not a substitute for their skill.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of employing this technology initially provoked concern among a segment of the player base. In response, Vincke provided more clarification on online platforms.

"We use AI tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use search engines and physical media," he wrote. "In the conceptual planning process we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then replace with hand-crafted illustrations."

He noted, "Larian brings on talent for their unique talent, not for their ability to replicate what a AI generates."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had earlier detailed the team's focused approach to this technology, defining its use into key areas:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using tools to quickly build rough versions of scenarios to experiment with concepts before full production.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how AI could eventually facilitate new forms of gameplay, specifically in simulating unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world.

He explicitly stated that central narrative disciplines — such as music composition — are not departments where the company is replacing human input. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these very fields.

"Larian is neither launching a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not considering cutting creatives to substitute them with AI," Vincke summarized.