The Divinity Developer Details Its Use of Generative AI for New Divinity Game

The studio behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its next major project, sparking a wave of hype within the industry. However, recent statements from the company's lead designer have added clarity to the narrative, touching on the team's stance toward machine learning.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a new clarification, Larian's director detailed that the team is using AI technology for certain preliminary functions. These involve enhancing presentation materials, generating rough visual ideas, and creating temporary dialogue.

Notably, Vincke stressed that the end material in the game will be authored entirely by real artists. "Larian is creating every line ourselves," he stated.

Larian is continuously growing our pool of storytellers and are busily putting together narrative groups.

As concept art is being particularly referenced — we right now have twenty-three artistic staff and have positions available for additional creatives.

Everything we do is additive and aimed at having people spend greater focus on the creative process.

Every ML tool applied correctly is supplementary to a creative team routine, never a stand-in for their talent.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The news of AI usage originally sparked unease among some the player base. In response, Vincke provided further detail on public forums.

"At Larian, we employ machine learning to explore references, just like we use search engines and art books," he stated. "In the very early ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then substitute with hand-crafted concept art."

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

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had earlier detailed the team's focused approach to machine learning, defining its use into primary functions:

  • Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes refining animations, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
  • Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to quickly build basic models of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts ahead of full implementation.
  • Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how machine learning could eventually create innovative player agency, specifically in creating dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.

He explicitly noted that key artistic domains — such as music composition — are are absolutely not departments where the team is cutting human involvement. On the contrary, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact positions.

"We are neither releasing a game with any AI components, nor considering trimming down teams to swap them out with AI," Vincke concluded.

Amber King
Amber King

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about exploring how digital innovations impact society and daily life.