The Divinity Developer Clarifies Its Application of AI Tools for Next Divinity
The studio behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its new project, sparking a wave of hype within the player base. However, follow-up remarks from the studio's figurehead have introduced a new dimension to the discussion, addressing the studio's philosophy toward generative artificial intelligence.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a new statement, Larian's director outlined that the team is utilizing generative AI for certain supporting tasks. These encompass enhancing presentation materials, generating rough artistic references, and drafting temporary copy.
Notably, Vincke emphasized that the final material in the game will be crafted solely by human artists. "We are creating all the content ourselves," he affirmed.
Larian is continuously growing our team of concept artists and are currently putting together narrative groups.
As concept art is being specifically referenced — we right now have over twenty visual developers and have roles to fill for further artists.
All our efforts we do is supplementary and aimed at having people spend greater focus on actual creation.
Any AI system applied correctly is additive to a creative team routine, never a stand-in for their skill.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The revelation of AI usage at first generated concern among portions of the player base. In response, Vincke offered additional detail on public forums.
"Our team utilizes these tools to research ideas, in the same way we use the internet and physical media," he stated. "During the initial planning process we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then swap out with hand-crafted concept art."
He added, "Larian brings on creatives for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to replicate what a algorithm proposes."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had earlier broken down the company's targeted approach to machine learning, categorizing its use into key areas:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to rapidly prototype basic mock-ups of scenarios to test concepts before complete development.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Investigating how AI could one day facilitate new forms of reactivity, particularly in simulating dynamic reactions in a detailed game universe.
He specifically noted that key artistic disciplines — like music composition — are are absolutely not fields where the company is replacing artistic input. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these very fields.
"Larian is neither launching a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not considering trimming down teams to substitute them with AI," Vincke summarized.
