The Divinity Developer Details Its Use of AI Tools for Next Project
The developer behind acclaimed RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its next major project, creating significant hype within the industry. However, subsequent remarks from the company's co-founder have introduced clarity to the conversation, addressing the team's philosophy toward AI tools.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a recent message, Larian's director outlined that the team is utilizing AI technology for particular preliminary purposes. These include enhancing PowerPoint slides, creating initial visual ideas, and drafting temporary text.
Importantly, Vincke stressed that the end content in the game will be created exclusively by real creatives. "Larian is developing everything manually," he affirmed.
Our studio is actively increasing our pool of writers and are actively putting together narrative groups.
Given that visual development is being specifically called out — we currently have twenty-three visual developers and have positions available for more creatives.
Each initiative we do is supplementary and focused on having people spend more time on making content.
Any ML tool used well is supplementary to a creative team process, not a substitute for their craft.
Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent
The revelation of using AI originally generated concern among a segment of the player base. In response, Vincke issued more detail on social media.
"Our team utilizes these tools to explore references, similar to we use search engines and art books," he wrote. "During the very early planning process we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then substitute with original artwork."
He added, "Our studio recruits artists for their creative vision, not for their capacity to follow what a machine suggests."
Focused Uses for Machine Learning
Vincke had previously broken down the team's focused strategy to machine learning, categorizing its use into primary pillars:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
- Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using systems to rapidly prototype rough models of gameplay ideas to validate concepts ahead of complete production.
- Experimental Frontiers: Researching how AI could one day enhance new forms of player agency, specifically in managing dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.
He clearly stated that core creative disciplines — like writing — are are in no way fields where the company is cutting human talent. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these precise positions.
"Larian is not shipping a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not planning on cutting teams to substitute them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.
