The Divinity Developer Details Its Implementation of Generative AI for Upcoming Project

The studio behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its new project, sparking immense excitement within the player base. However, subsequent statements from the studio's lead designer have introduced nuance to the narrative, focusing on the studio's approach toward machine learning.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a recent statement, Swen Vincke outlined that the developer is employing generative AI for specific preliminary functions. These include developing PowerPoint slides, generating early-stage visual ideas, and creating draft text.

Notably, Vincke made clear that the final assets in the game will be created entirely by real creatives. "Our team is writing everything in-house," he stated.

Larian is actively growing our roster of concept artists and are actively forming dedicated writer rooms.

Since visual development is being explicitly referenced — we right now have twenty-three visual developers and have positions available for further talent.

All our efforts we do is supplementary and focused on enabling creatives to spend greater focus on actual creation.

Every AI system used well is a boost to a artist's routine, not a replacement for their skill.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The revelation of using AI at first provoked backlash among some the community. In response, Vincke provided additional detail on public forums.

"At Larian, we employ machine learning to explore references, similar to we use search engines and reference books," he wrote. "In the very early planning process we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then swap out with original concept art."

He noted, "Larian brings on talent for their unique talent, not for their ability to replicate what a AI generates."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had earlier detailed the company's targeted approach to this technology, defining its use into primary pillars:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes refining animations, audio processing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to rapidly prototype rough models of scenarios to validate concepts before full development.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Investigating how machine learning could in the future create innovative gameplay, specifically in managing player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He clearly affirmed that core creative disciplines — such as music composition — are are absolutely not areas where the team is reducing creative input. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these exact fields.

"Larian is not releasing a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not planning on reducing staff to substitute them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.