The Divinity Developer Details Its Application of Machine Learning for New Divinity

The studio behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its next major project, sparking immense anticipation within the industry. However, subsequent remarks from the studio's figurehead have brought a new dimension to the narrative, focusing on the developer's approach toward machine learning.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a recent message, Larian's director outlined that the developer is employing AI technology for particular ancillary functions. These include enhancing pitch decks, producing rough artistic references, and writing draft dialogue.

Notably, Vincke stressed that the final material in the game will be crafted exclusively by actual artists. "Our team is writing everything manually," he affirmed.

Larian is constantly growing our pool of writers and are busily putting together narrative groups.

Since visual development is being particularly referenced — we currently have twenty-three visual developers and have positions available for further creatives.

Each initiative we do is incremental and aimed at having people spend greater focus on actual creation.

Every ML tool applied correctly is additive to a artist's workflow, never a stand-in for their craft.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The revelation of using AI originally generated concern among portions of the player base. In reaction, Vincke issued additional clarification on public forums.

"Our team utilizes machine learning to gather inspiration, just like we use search engines and art books," he stated. "In the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then swap out with original illustrations."

He noted, "Our studio recruits talent for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to replicate what a AI generates."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had in the past detailed the studio's focused method to this technology, categorizing its use into three main functions:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes refining animations, audio processing, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create basic models of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts ahead of full development.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how machine learning could eventually facilitate emergent reactivity, especially in creating unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.

He clearly noted that key artistic areas — including writing — are are in no way fields where the studio is cutting creative input. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these very roles.

"Our studio is neither releasing a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not planning on reducing creatives to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.