The Divinity Developer Explains Its Implementation of Machine Learning for Next Divinity Game

The studio behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its upcoming project, creating immense hype within the industry. However, subsequent comments from the company's lead designer have brought a new dimension to the discussion, touching on the developer's stance toward AI tools.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a latest message, Larian's director detailed that the company is employing AI technology for certain supporting functions. These encompass fleshing out pitch decks, creating rough concept art, and drafting placeholder text.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the shipping material in the game will be crafted entirely by human artists. "We are creating everything in-house," he affirmed.

Larian is actively expanding our roster of storytellers and are actively assembling narrative groups.

As visual development is being particularly called out — we presently have twenty-three visual developers and have positions available for additional artists.

Everything we do is supplementary and focused on letting our team spend more time on actual creation.

Every ML tool used well is a boost to a artist's workflow, never a stand-in for their craft.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of using AI initially sparked backlash among portions of the community. In reply, Vincke offered more clarification on online platforms.

"Our team utilizes machine learning to research ideas, similar to we use search engines and physical media," he explained. "During the initial ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then swap out with hand-crafted concept art."

He noted, "We've hired creatives for their inherent skill, not for their ability to execute what a algorithm proposes."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had previously broken down the studio's targeted approach to AI and ML, categorizing its use into three main functions:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using systems to quickly build basic models of scenarios to validate concepts ahead of expensive development.
• Experimental Frontiers: Exploring how AI could eventually enhance new forms of gameplay, specifically in managing dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.

He specifically noted that core creative disciplines — including music composition — are are absolutely not departments where the team is reducing human input. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these very roles.

"Our studio is neither shipping a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not planning on cutting staff to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.