🔗 Share this article The Divinity Developer Details Its Implementation of AI Tools for Upcoming Divinity The studio behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its new project, sparking a wave of excitement within the player base. However, recent comments from the company's co-founder have introduced nuance to the narrative, touching on the developer's stance toward machine learning. AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute In a new message, Swen Vincke explained that the developer is utilizing machine learning for certain ancillary functions. These involve developing presentation materials, generating rough concept art, and creating draft copy. Importantly, Vincke made clear that the final content in the game will be created solely by human artists. "We are writing every line ourselves," he said. Larian is actively expanding our roster of concept artists and are currently putting together narrative groups. As visual development is being explicitly called out — we currently have over twenty visual developers and have job openings for additional artists. Each initiative we do is additive and aimed at enabling creatives to spend greater focus on actual creation. Any machine learning application used well is a boost to a artist's routine, not a substitute for their craft. Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent The news of employing this technology originally generated concern among a segment of the community. In reaction, Vincke offered additional detail on public forums. "We use machine learning to explore references, just like we use the internet and reference books," he wrote. "In the very early ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then swap out with original illustrations." He continued, "We've hired creatives for their unique talent, not for their ability to execute what a machine suggests." Focused Uses for Machine Learning Vincke had previously detailed the studio's focused method to AI and ML, grouping its use into key areas: Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like refining animations, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations. Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create basic mock-ups of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts ahead of full production. Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how AI could one day enhance innovative reactivity, especially in managing dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe. He clearly stated that key artistic disciplines — such as visual art — are are in no way areas where the company is cutting artistic talent. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these exact fields. "We are neither shipping a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down teams to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.
The studio behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its new project, sparking a wave of excitement within the player base. However, recent comments from the company's co-founder have introduced nuance to the narrative, touching on the developer's stance toward machine learning. AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute In a new message, Swen Vincke explained that the developer is utilizing machine learning for certain ancillary functions. These involve developing presentation materials, generating rough concept art, and creating draft copy. Importantly, Vincke made clear that the final content in the game will be created solely by human artists. "We are writing every line ourselves," he said. Larian is actively expanding our roster of concept artists and are currently putting together narrative groups. As visual development is being explicitly called out — we currently have over twenty visual developers and have job openings for additional artists. Each initiative we do is additive and aimed at enabling creatives to spend greater focus on actual creation. Any machine learning application used well is a boost to a artist's routine, not a substitute for their craft. Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent The news of employing this technology originally generated concern among a segment of the community. In reaction, Vincke offered additional detail on public forums. "We use machine learning to explore references, just like we use the internet and reference books," he wrote. "In the very early ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for structure which we then swap out with original illustrations." He continued, "We've hired creatives for their unique talent, not for their ability to execute what a machine suggests." Focused Uses for Machine Learning Vincke had previously detailed the studio's focused method to AI and ML, grouping its use into key areas: Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like refining animations, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations. Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create basic mock-ups of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts ahead of full production. Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how AI could one day enhance innovative reactivity, especially in managing dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe. He clearly stated that key artistic disciplines — such as visual art — are are in no way areas where the company is cutting artistic talent. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these exact fields. "We are neither shipping a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down teams to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.