The Divinity Developer Clarifies Its Implementation of AI Tools for New Divinity Game
The team behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its upcoming project, generating a wave of anticipation within the gaming community. However, subsequent remarks from the company's figurehead have brought clarity to the discussion, focusing on the studio's philosophy toward AI tools.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a recent message, Larian's director detailed that the company is utilizing machine learning for particular supporting purposes. These involve fleshing out pitch decks, creating initial visual ideas, and writing draft dialogue.
Notably, Vincke emphasized that the end content in the game will be authored entirely by actual creatives. "Our team is creating all the content manually," he affirmed.
We are actively growing our roster of writers and are currently putting together narrative groups.
Since concept art is being specifically referenced — we right now have 23 visual developers and have job openings for additional artists.
Each initiative we do is incremental and designed to enabling creatives to spend additional energy on making content.
Every machine learning application used well is supplementary to a creative team routine, not a substitute for their craft.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The admission of AI usage at first provoked unease among portions of the fanbase. In response, Vincke issued additional elaboration on social media.
"We use AI tools to research ideas, just like we use search engines and physical media," he explained. "In the initial ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then substitute with authentic illustrations."
He continued, "Our studio recruits artists for their creative vision, not for their ability to replicate what a AI generates."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had earlier outlined the team's targeted approach to machine learning, categorizing its use into key functions:
- Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
- Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using tools to speedily create basic versions of scenarios to test concepts before complete production.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how AI could in the future facilitate emergent player agency, particularly in creating unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.
He clearly stated that key artistic domains — like writing — are are absolutely not departments where the team is reducing artistic input. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these very fields.
"Larian is not launching a game with any AI components, nor considering trimming down teams to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.
