The Divinity Developer Details Its Use of Machine Learning for Next Project
The developer behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its next major project, creating a wave of hype within the gaming community. However, follow-up statements from the company's co-founder have introduced a new dimension to the narrative, touching on the developer's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a recent statement, Swen Vincke detailed that the team is utilizing generative AI for particular ancillary functions. These include fleshing out PowerPoint slides, creating early-stage concept art, and writing placeholder dialogue.
Notably, Vincke emphasized that the end material in the game will be crafted solely by real artists. "Our team is writing everything in-house," he stated.
Larian is actively growing our roster of storytellers and are currently assembling writing teams.
Given that visual development is being specifically referenced — we right now have over twenty visual developers and have positions available for further talent.
Everything we do is additive and designed to having people spend more time on making content.
Every ML tool applied correctly is supplementary to a developer's workflow, not a replacement for their craft.
Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent
The revelation of employing this technology initially generated unease among a segment of the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke offered additional clarification on online platforms.
"At Larian, we employ AI tools to research ideas, just like we use search engines and reference books," he wrote. "During the initial ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then swap out with hand-crafted concept art."
He added, "Our studio recruits creatives for their unique talent, not for their ability to replicate what a algorithm proposes."
Three Pillars of Practical Application
Vincke had in the past outlined the team's targeted method to this technology, grouping its use into primary areas:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like polishing mocap data, voice editing, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to quickly build basic mock-ups of gameplay ideas to test concepts before full implementation.
- Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how AI could one day facilitate emergent gameplay, especially in simulating dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.
He clearly affirmed that key artistic disciplines — like visual art — are not fields where the team is replacing human involvement. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these precise fields.
"Larian is neither launching a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not looking at reducing teams to replace them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.
