The Divinity Developer Explains Its Implementation of Generative AI for New Project
The developer behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its new project, sparking immense hype within the player base. However, subsequent comments from the company's figurehead have added nuance to the narrative, addressing the studio's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a recent statement, Swen Vincke outlined that the company is using machine learning for specific supporting purposes. These include developing PowerPoint slides, producing early-stage artistic references, and drafting draft dialogue.
Notably, Vincke emphasized that the final content in the game will be created solely by actual artists. "Our team is writing every line manually," he stated.
We are constantly expanding our pool of writers and are actively forming narrative groups.
Given that visual development is being particularly called out — we right now have 23 artistic staff and have job openings for more creatives.
All our efforts we do is incremental and aimed at having people spend greater focus on making content.
Every ML tool applied correctly is additive to a developer's workflow, never a stand-in for their craft.
Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent
The revelation of using AI at first provoked concern among some the player base. In response, Vincke provided further elaboration on public forums.
"Our team utilizes these tools to explore references, similar to we use the internet and reference books," he stated. "In the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then replace with authentic artwork."
He added, "Larian brings on creatives for their unique talent, not for their capacity to execute what a algorithm proposes."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had in the past detailed the company's focused strategy to this technology, grouping its use into key areas:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes refining animations, voice editing, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to rapidly prototype rough versions of mechanics to test concepts ahead of complete production.
- Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how AI could in the future enhance emergent player agency, specifically in managing dynamic reactions in a complex RPG.
He clearly affirmed that core creative areas — including writing — are not departments where the team is replacing artistic involvement. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these exact roles.
"We are neither shipping a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not planning on cutting teams to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.
