The Divinity Developer Details Its Application of Generative AI for Next Divinity

The developer behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its next major project, sparking immense excitement within the industry. However, recent comments from the company's co-founder have introduced clarity to the narrative, touching on the developer's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest statement, Swen Vincke outlined that the developer is employing AI technology for particular preliminary purposes. These include enhancing PowerPoint slides, generating rough concept art, and drafting placeholder copy.

Crucially, Vincke emphasized that the end material in the game will be created solely by human artists. "Our team is writing everything manually," he affirmed.

We are constantly increasing our team of concept artists and are actively assembling narrative groups.

Given that this area is being particularly called out — we right now have over twenty visual developers and have positions available for more creatives.

Each initiative we do is supplementary and designed to enabling creatives to spend more time on making content.

Any ML tool used well is additive to a artist's process, not a replacement for their skill.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The news of AI usage originally provoked unease among portions of the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke issued additional elaboration on online platforms.

"We use AI tools to research ideas, similar to we use search engines and reference books," he stated. "In the initial planning process we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then substitute with original concept art."

He continued, "Our studio recruits talent for their inherent skill, not for their ability to execute what a algorithm proposes."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had earlier broken down the company's targeted method to AI and ML, defining its use into key areas:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like refining animations, audio processing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to quickly build rough versions of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts before full development.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how AI could in the future facilitate innovative gameplay, especially in creating unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world.

He clearly noted that core creative disciplines — including writing — are are in no way areas where the team is reducing creative involvement. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact fields.

"Our studio is not launching a game with AI-generated content, nor considering trimming down staff to substitute them with AI," Vincke summarized.