The Divinity Developer Clarifies Its Application of AI Tools for New Divinity
The developer behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its next major project, generating significant anticipation within the gaming community. However, subsequent comments from the studio's co-founder have introduced a new dimension to the discussion, addressing the developer's philosophy toward AI tools.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a new statement, the studio's founder outlined that the company is utilizing AI technology for certain preliminary tasks. These include fleshing out pitch decks, creating early-stage visual ideas, and writing draft copy.
Crucially, Vincke made clear that the final content in the game will be authored solely by human writers. "Our team is writing all the content ourselves," he said.
We are continuously increasing our roster of storytellers and are actively putting together dedicated writer rooms.
Since concept art is being particularly mentioned — we presently have 23 concept artists and have job openings for further artists.
Everything we do is incremental and aimed at letting our team spend greater focus on making content.
Any machine learning application used well is additive to a artist's routine, never a stand-in for their talent.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The revelation of using AI at first generated unease among a segment of the fanbase. In response, Vincke provided further detail on public forums.
"We use machine learning to explore references, in the same way we use Google and reference books," he stated. "In the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then replace with authentic illustrations."
He noted, "Larian brings on artists for their unique talent, not for their ability to execute what a machine suggests."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had in the past broken down the company's targeted method to machine learning, grouping its use into three main functions:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using tools to speedily create rough models of scenarios to experiment with concepts ahead of complete implementation.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how machine learning could eventually create innovative reactivity, especially in managing unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.
He specifically affirmed that key artistic domains — such as music composition — are are absolutely not areas where the studio is replacing human input. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these very positions.
"We are neither shipping a game with any AI components, nor planning on reducing creatives to substitute them with AI," Vincke summarized.
