The Divinity Developer Explains Its Application of AI Tools for New Divinity Game

The studio behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its upcoming project, generating immense hype within the industry. However, follow-up remarks from the studio's figurehead have introduced nuance to the discussion, touching on the team's philosophy toward AI tools.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a latest clarification, the studio's founder explained that the developer is utilizing machine learning for particular supporting functions. These involve fleshing out presentation materials, producing initial visual ideas, and creating placeholder text.

Importantly, Vincke emphasized that the end content in the game will be crafted solely by actual creatives. "Larian is writing everything manually," he said.

Our studio is constantly increasing our pool of storytellers and are currently assembling narrative groups.

Given that visual development is being particularly called out — we currently have twenty-three artistic staff and have roles to fill for more creatives.

All our efforts we do is incremental and designed to having people spend more time on the creative process.

Every AI system implemented properly is additive to a creative team process, never a stand-in for their talent.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The revelation of using AI originally sparked backlash among a segment of the player base. In reaction, Vincke offered more detail on online platforms.

"We use machine learning to gather inspiration, similar to we use Google and art books," he explained. "During the initial ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then swap out with original concept art."

He continued, "Our studio recruits creatives for their creative vision, not for their willingness to replicate what a AI generates."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had in the past outlined the studio's practical method to AI and ML, categorizing its use into key areas:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to quickly build rough versions of scenarios to test concepts ahead of full development.
• Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how machine learning could one day enhance emergent reactivity, especially in simulating dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.

He clearly noted that central narrative disciplines — including writing — are are in no way areas where the studio is reducing human involvement. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these precise fields.

"Our studio is not shipping a game with machine-made assets, nor looking at trimming down creatives to swap them out with AI," Vincke stated definitively.