The Divinity Developer Explains Its Implementation of Machine Learning for New Divinity
The developer behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its new project, creating significant hype within the player base. However, follow-up comments from the company's lead designer have added nuance to the discussion, addressing the studio's stance toward machine learning.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a new message, the studio's founder explained that the developer is employing AI technology for specific preliminary tasks. These include fleshing out pitch decks, producing initial artistic references, and writing placeholder copy.
Importantly, Vincke made clear that the shipping material in the game will be created exclusively by actual writers. "We are creating every line in-house," he stated.
Our studio is continuously expanding our roster of storytellers and are currently assembling writing teams.
Since visual development is being particularly mentioned — we currently have 23 visual developers and have job openings for further talent.
Each initiative we do is incremental and designed to having people spend greater focus on making content.
Any machine learning application implemented properly is a boost to a artist's routine, never a stand-in for their talent.
Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent
The revelation of AI usage at first provoked unease among portions of the player base. In reply, Vincke offered further elaboration on online platforms.
"At Larian, we employ AI tools to research ideas, just like we use search engines and physical media," he stated. "In the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then substitute with hand-crafted artwork."
He noted, "Larian brings on artists for their unique talent, not for their ability to execute what a machine suggests."
Three Pillars of Practical Application
Vincke had previously outlined the company's practical approach to machine learning, grouping its use into key pillars:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to speedily create rough models of mechanics to experiment with concepts ahead of complete implementation.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how AI could in the future facilitate new forms of reactivity, particularly in simulating player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.
He explicitly affirmed that central narrative disciplines — such as writing — are are absolutely not areas where the team is reducing artistic input. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these precise roles.
"We are neither releasing a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not planning on cutting staff to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.
