The Divinity Developer Explains Its Use of Generative AI for New Project

The developer behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its upcoming project, creating immense anticipation within the player base. However, follow-up statements from the company's figurehead have added a new dimension to the narrative, focusing on the developer's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a recent message, Larian's director detailed that the company is employing generative AI for particular ancillary purposes. These include developing PowerPoint slides, producing initial artistic references, and creating temporary dialogue.

Notably, Vincke made clear that the end material in the game will be crafted solely by human writers. "We are writing everything in-house," he stated.

We are constantly expanding our roster of writers and are actively putting together writing teams.

Since concept art is being specifically mentioned — we currently have 23 visual developers and have positions available for additional talent.

Each initiative we do is incremental and focused on letting our team spend more time on making content.

Any ML tool applied correctly is a boost to a creative team workflow, never a stand-in for their skill.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The news of employing this technology originally sparked concern among some the player base. In response, Vincke offered additional clarification on social media.

"Our team utilizes these tools to explore references, in the same way we use search engines and art books," he stated. "In the initial ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then swap out with original concept art."

He added, "Our studio recruits talent for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to follow what a machine suggests."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had earlier outlined the company's focused strategy to AI and ML, grouping its use into primary areas:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like refining animations, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to quickly build simple models of scenarios to experiment with concepts before complete production.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Investigating how AI could one day create new forms of reactivity, particularly in managing player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.

He clearly stated that core creative disciplines — like writing — are are in no way departments where the company is reducing artistic input. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these very positions.

"Larian is not releasing a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down teams to swap them out with AI," Vincke summarized.