The Divinity Developer Explains Its Use of AI Tools for New Divinity Game

The team behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its new project, sparking significant anticipation within the industry. However, subsequent remarks from the studio's lead designer have introduced nuance to the conversation, addressing the team's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a latest message, Larian's director explained that the developer is using AI technology for certain preliminary functions. These include enhancing presentation materials, generating initial concept art, and creating draft text.

Notably, Vincke stressed that the final material in the game will be created exclusively by actual writers. "Our team is developing all the content in-house," he said.

We are actively expanding our pool of writers and are actively forming writing teams.

Given that visual development is being specifically referenced — we currently have twenty-three concept artists and have job openings for further creatives.

Each initiative we do is supplementary and designed to letting our team spend greater focus on making content.

Any machine learning application applied correctly is a boost to a developer's workflow, never a stand-in for their skill.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The admission of AI usage originally provoked backlash among some the player base. In reaction, Vincke issued more elaboration on social media.

"We use AI tools to explore references, just like we use the internet and art books," he wrote. "In the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then substitute with hand-crafted artwork."

He added, "We've hired talent for their inherent skill, not for their ability to replicate what a algorithm proposes."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had previously broken down the team's practical strategy to AI and ML, grouping its use into key pillars:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to quickly build basic versions of gameplay ideas to validate concepts prior to full development.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how AI could one day enhance emergent gameplay, specifically in managing dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.

He specifically noted that key artistic domains — including visual art — are not departments where the team is reducing human input. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these precise roles.

"Larian is not launching a game with AI-generated content, nor considering reducing staff to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.