The Divinity Developer Details Its Use of Machine Learning for New Project
The studio behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its next major project, sparking significant hype within the player base. However, recent statements from the studio's figurehead have brought a new dimension to the discussion, touching on the team's philosophy toward AI tools.
AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute
In a recent message, Larian's director detailed that the developer is utilizing generative AI for certain ancillary functions. These involve enhancing presentation materials, generating early-stage concept art, and creating placeholder dialogue.
Crucially, Vincke made clear that the final material in the game will be authored exclusively by human creatives. "Our team is developing every line ourselves," he stated.
Larian is actively increasing our team of storytellers and are busily assembling dedicated writer rooms.
Given that concept art is being specifically mentioned — we right now have over twenty artistic staff and have positions available for further creatives.
All our efforts we do is additive and aimed at letting our team spend greater focus on actual creation.
Every ML tool applied correctly is additive to a creative team process, not a substitute for their talent.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The revelation of using AI originally provoked concern among some the community. In reply, Vincke provided further elaboration on online platforms.
"At Larian, we employ these tools to explore references, just like we use search engines and physical media," he wrote. "During the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then substitute with hand-crafted illustrations."
He continued, "Larian brings on artists for their unique talent, not for their capacity to execute what a machine suggests."
Focused Uses for Machine Learning
Vincke had earlier broken down the company's focused method to AI and ML, defining its use into three main areas:
- Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using tools to speedily create basic versions of mechanics to test concepts before full implementation.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Investigating how AI could in the future facilitate innovative player agency, particularly in simulating unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world.
He explicitly stated that key artistic areas — including music composition — are are absolutely not departments where the team is replacing artistic input. On the contrary, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact positions.
"We are neither shipping a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down teams to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.
