The Divinity Developer Clarifies Its Use of AI Tools for Next Divinity

The team behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently unveiled its upcoming project, sparking a wave of anticipation within the industry. However, subsequent remarks from the studio's lead designer have added clarity to the discussion, addressing the studio's philosophy toward machine learning.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a new statement, Larian's director explained that the company is using AI technology for particular preliminary functions. These encompass enhancing pitch decks, creating rough concept art, and drafting placeholder copy.

Notably, Vincke stressed that the final content in the game will be authored entirely by human artists. "We are writing every line manually," he affirmed.

We are constantly increasing our roster of storytellers and are actively forming writing teams.

Given that visual development is being particularly mentioned — we presently have twenty-three concept artists and have job openings for further talent.

Everything we do is supplementary and aimed at having people spend greater focus on making content.

Every machine learning application used well is a boost to a developer's workflow, not a replacement for their skill.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The news of employing this technology at first sparked backlash among some the community. In response, Vincke provided more elaboration on online platforms.

"Our team utilizes AI tools to explore references, just like we use Google and physical media," he explained. "In the initial ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for layout which we then substitute with authentic illustrations."

He noted, "Larian brings on artists for their creative vision, not for their willingness to execute what a AI generates."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past broken down the studio's focused strategy to machine learning, defining its use into key functions:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to quickly build rough versions of scenarios to experiment with concepts before expensive development.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how AI could one day facilitate new forms of reactivity, particularly in creating dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.

He explicitly affirmed that core creative domains — including writing — are not areas where the team is cutting artistic talent. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these precise roles.

"Our studio is neither launching a game with machine-made assets, nor planning on reducing creatives to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.