The Divinity Developer Clarifies Its Implementation of Generative AI for New Divinity Game

The team behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its next major project, generating significant hype within the gaming community. However, follow-up statements from the studio's co-founder have added nuance to the conversation, focusing on the team's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a recent clarification, Larian's director outlined that the developer is utilizing AI technology for specific ancillary tasks. These encompass fleshing out presentation materials, creating early-stage artistic references, and creating draft dialogue.

Notably, Vincke stressed that the final material in the game will be created entirely by real creatives. "We are developing everything manually," he affirmed.

We are constantly expanding our team of concept artists and are busily forming dedicated writer rooms.

Given that this area is being explicitly called out — we presently have 23 artistic staff and have roles to fill for further talent.

Each initiative we do is supplementary and focused on having people spend greater focus on making content.

Every AI system applied correctly is additive to a developer's workflow, never a stand-in for their craft.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The news of AI usage initially provoked concern among a segment of the fanbase. In response, Vincke issued additional clarification on online platforms.

"Our team utilizes AI tools to gather inspiration, just like we use the internet and reference books," he stated. "During the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then swap out with original artwork."

He noted, "We've hired artists for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to follow what a AI generates."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had previously detailed the studio's practical strategy to AI and ML, defining its use into three main functions:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create rough mock-ups of scenarios to validate concepts prior to expensive development.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how AI could eventually create innovative reactivity, especially in creating player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He specifically stated that core creative domains — like visual art — are are in no way areas where the company is replacing human talent. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these very fields.

"We are neither launching a game with AI-generated content, nor considering trimming down creatives to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.