The Divinity Developer Clarifies Its Use of AI Tools for Upcoming Divinity
The studio behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its new project, creating a wave of excitement within the gaming community. However, subsequent statements from the studio's co-founder have added a new dimension to the conversation, addressing the studio's philosophy toward generative artificial intelligence.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a latest statement, the studio's founder detailed that the company is employing machine learning for certain ancillary functions. These include fleshing out presentation materials, creating initial visual ideas, and creating temporary text.
Importantly, Vincke made clear that the end content in the game will be authored solely by actual creatives. "Larian is creating every line ourselves," he stated.
Our studio is actively expanding our pool of concept artists and are currently forming writing teams.
As concept art is being particularly called out — we presently have twenty-three visual developers and have positions available for additional creatives.
Each initiative we do is additive and designed to letting our team spend more time on the creative process.
Any ML tool used well is supplementary to a artist's process, not a replacement for their talent.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The admission of using AI initially provoked backlash among portions of the player base. In reaction, Vincke offered further elaboration on social media.
"Our team utilizes machine learning to research ideas, in the same way we use Google and physical media," he explained. "In the very early ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then replace with authentic concept art."
He added, "We've hired artists for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to replicate what a machine suggests."
Focused Uses for Machine Learning
Vincke had earlier outlined the team's focused strategy to this technology, defining its use into primary functions:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses refining animations, voice editing, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to rapidly prototype simple models of scenarios to test concepts ahead of full implementation.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how machine learning could in the future facilitate new forms of reactivity, especially in creating dynamic reactions in a complex RPG.
He specifically affirmed that central narrative disciplines — such as music composition — are are in no way fields where the company is reducing creative input. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these exact roles.
"Larian is not releasing a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not planning on cutting staff to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.
