The Divinity Developer Clarifies Its Application of Machine Learning for New Divinity

The studio behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its next major project, creating immense hype within the gaming community. However, subsequent statements from the studio's lead designer have added clarity to the narrative, focusing on the studio's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a new message, the studio's founder explained that the team is utilizing AI technology for specific supporting tasks. These encompass enhancing presentation materials, creating rough artistic references, and creating draft dialogue.

Notably, Vincke emphasized that the end content in the game will be created entirely by real artists. "Our team is developing every line in-house," he said.

Larian is continuously increasing our roster of concept artists and are busily forming writing teams.

Given that this area is being specifically referenced — we presently have over twenty concept artists and have roles to fill for more creatives.

All our efforts we do is additive and designed to enabling creatives to spend more time on making content.

Every machine learning application applied correctly is supplementary to a creative team process, not a replacement for their craft.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The news of employing this technology at first sparked unease among some the player base. In reaction, Vincke provided further detail on online platforms.

"Our team utilizes these tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use the internet and physical media," he stated. "During the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then substitute with authentic concept art."

He noted, "Our studio recruits creatives for their inherent skill, not for their ability to replicate what a algorithm proposes."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past detailed the company's practical approach to machine learning, grouping its use into key functions:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to quickly build basic versions of scenarios to experiment with concepts ahead of full production.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how AI could in the future facilitate emergent player agency, especially in simulating unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.

He clearly affirmed that central narrative disciplines — like music composition — are not fields where the team is cutting artistic involvement. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these very positions.

"We are neither releasing a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not planning on cutting staff to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.