The Divinity Developer Details Its Application of Machine Learning for Next Divinity Game

The studio behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its next major project, generating a wave of hype within the industry. However, subsequent comments from the studio's lead designer have added a new dimension to the discussion, addressing the developer's stance toward machine learning.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new clarification, Larian's director explained that the company is utilizing AI technology for specific preliminary tasks. These encompass developing presentation materials, generating early-stage artistic references, and writing placeholder text.

Notably, Vincke made clear that the final material in the game will be authored exclusively by real artists. "We are developing every line ourselves," he stated.

Our studio is continuously increasing our team of writers and are currently assembling writing teams.

Given that concept art is being particularly called out — we currently have over twenty visual developers and have positions available for further artists.

All our efforts we do is supplementary and designed to letting our team spend greater focus on the creative process.

Every machine learning application applied correctly is a boost to a creative team workflow, not a substitute for their talent.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of AI usage initially generated backlash among a segment of the player base. In response, Vincke provided additional elaboration on public forums.

"Our team utilizes machine learning to explore references, just like we use the internet and reference books," he stated. "During the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then replace with hand-crafted artwork."

He continued, "We've hired talent for their inherent skill, not for their capacity to execute what a algorithm proposes."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past outlined the company's focused approach to machine learning, defining its use into primary functions:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to speedily create simple mock-ups of mechanics to test concepts before complete production.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how AI could eventually facilitate emergent player agency, particularly in managing player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He explicitly noted that central narrative domains — such as writing — are are absolutely not areas where the company is cutting artistic talent. On the contrary, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact positions.

"We are not releasing a game with AI-generated content, nor looking at cutting teams to swap them out with AI," Vincke stated definitively.