The Divinity Developer Explains Its Application of AI Tools for Upcoming Divinity Game
The team behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its upcoming project, creating significant hype within the gaming community. However, recent remarks from the company's lead designer have introduced a new dimension to the conversation, focusing on the studio's philosophy toward machine learning.
AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute
In a latest statement, Swen Vincke detailed that the developer is utilizing generative AI for specific ancillary tasks. These encompass enhancing presentation materials, generating early-stage concept art, and writing placeholder text.
Importantly, Vincke stressed that the end assets in the game will be crafted entirely by real creatives. "Larian is writing every line manually," he affirmed.
Our studio is actively increasing our roster of concept artists and are actively assembling writing teams.
As visual development is being specifically referenced — we currently have twenty-three concept artists and have positions available for further creatives.
All our efforts we do is supplementary and focused on having people spend greater focus on making content.
Every AI system used well is supplementary to a artist's workflow, never a stand-in for their craft.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The news of employing this technology initially sparked backlash among a segment of the fanbase. In response, Vincke issued further clarification on online platforms.
"We use these tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use search engines and physical media," he stated. "During the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then substitute with authentic artwork."
He noted, "We've hired creatives for their unique talent, not for their ability to replicate what a algorithm proposes."
Three Pillars of Practical Application
Vincke had in the past detailed the team's targeted method to machine learning, defining its use into three main functions:
- Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to quickly build basic models of gameplay ideas to validate concepts ahead of complete implementation.
- Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how machine learning could eventually enhance new forms of gameplay, particularly in creating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.
He clearly noted that core creative domains — such as visual art — are are in no way fields where the studio is cutting artistic input. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these exact positions.
"Larian is neither shipping a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not planning on cutting creatives to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.