The Divinity Developer Explains Its Application of Generative AI for Upcoming Divinity

The team behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its upcoming project, sparking a wave of anticipation within the player base. However, subsequent remarks from the studio's co-founder have added clarity to the conversation, addressing the studio's stance toward machine learning.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a new statement, the studio's founder detailed that the company is utilizing generative AI for particular ancillary purposes. These encompass developing pitch decks, generating rough concept art, and writing draft copy.

Crucially, Vincke stressed that the final material in the game will be created entirely by human artists. "Larian is developing everything in-house," he affirmed.

We are actively increasing our team of storytellers and are busily putting together narrative groups.

As this area is being particularly called out — we right now have over twenty concept artists and have roles to fill for more creatives.

Everything we do is incremental and aimed at letting our team spend more time on making content.

Every machine learning application applied correctly is a boost to a artist's workflow, not a substitute for their skill.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The news of employing this technology originally sparked unease among some the player base. In reply, Vincke provided further detail on social media.

"At Larian, we employ machine learning to research ideas, similar to we use the internet and reference books," he explained. "During the conceptual planning process we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then substitute with hand-crafted artwork."

He continued, "Larian brings on artists for their unique talent, not for their capacity to replicate what a machine suggests."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past broken down the studio's targeted approach to machine learning, categorizing its use into three main areas:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to rapidly prototype rough mock-ups of scenarios to test concepts before complete production.
• Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how machine learning could one day enhance innovative gameplay, particularly in managing player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.

He clearly stated that central narrative disciplines — such as music composition — are are in no way fields where the company is cutting creative input. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact roles.

"Larian is neither releasing a game with machine-made assets, nor looking at reducing staff to substitute them with AI," Vincke summarized.