The Divinity Developer Explains Its Implementation of Generative AI for Upcoming Project

The developer behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just shown its upcoming project, creating immense anticipation within the player base. However, follow-up statements from the studio's figurehead have added nuance to the discussion, addressing the team's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a latest clarification, Swen Vincke outlined that the company is employing AI technology for certain supporting purposes. These include enhancing presentation materials, generating early-stage artistic references, and drafting draft dialogue.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the shipping assets in the game will be crafted entirely by real writers. "We are developing every line manually," he stated.

We are constantly expanding our team of writers and are currently assembling dedicated writer rooms.

Given that concept art is being explicitly referenced — we right now have over twenty visual developers and have roles to fill for further artists.

Each initiative we do is supplementary and designed to having people spend more time on actual creation.

Any ML tool applied correctly is additive to a creative team process, never a stand-in for their talent.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The admission of employing this technology originally sparked unease among portions of the community. In reply, Vincke issued further elaboration on online platforms.

"We use AI tools to research ideas, similar to we use Google and physical media," he wrote. "During the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then substitute with original concept art."

He noted, "We've hired artists for their unique talent, not for their ability to replicate what a machine suggests."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had earlier detailed the company's practical strategy to AI and ML, grouping its use into three main functions:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to speedily create basic models of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts ahead of full implementation.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how machine learning could one day enhance new forms of reactivity, particularly in creating player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He explicitly affirmed that central narrative disciplines — like music composition — are not areas where the company is replacing creative involvement. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these very positions.

"Larian is not launching a game with machine-made assets, nor looking at cutting teams to substitute them with AI," Vincke summarized.