The Divinity Developer Clarifies Its Use of Generative AI for Upcoming Divinity

The developer behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its next major project, creating significant anticipation within the player base. However, subsequent statements from the company's lead designer have brought nuance to the narrative, addressing the team's stance toward machine learning.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest clarification, Larian's director outlined that the developer is using AI technology for specific supporting functions. These include enhancing pitch decks, generating rough visual ideas, and drafting placeholder copy.

Notably, Vincke made clear that the final content in the game will be authored exclusively by real writers. "We are writing everything ourselves," he affirmed.

We are constantly expanding our team of concept artists and are currently assembling writing teams.

Since visual development is being explicitly called out — we presently have over twenty visual developers and have positions available for more creatives.

Everything we do is additive and designed to enabling creatives to spend greater focus on the creative process.

Any ML tool used well is additive to a creative team process, not a substitute for their craft.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of using AI at first generated backlash among a segment of the player base. In reply, Vincke provided additional elaboration on online platforms.

"Our team utilizes machine learning to research ideas, in the same way we use Google and physical media," he stated. "In the very early ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then substitute with original artwork."

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

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had previously detailed the team's practical approach to AI and ML, defining its use into three main functions:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to quickly build basic versions of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts ahead of complete development.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how machine learning could one day create innovative reactivity, specifically in managing unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.

He specifically noted that key artistic disciplines — such as writing — are are absolutely not departments where the company is reducing creative input. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these very positions.

"We are neither releasing a game with AI-generated content, nor planning on cutting staff to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.