The Divinity Developer Details Its Use of Machine Learning for Upcoming Divinity

The studio behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently unveiled its upcoming project, generating significant excitement within the industry. However, recent statements from the company's co-founder have introduced clarity to the discussion, addressing the team's philosophy toward machine learning.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a new message, Larian's director outlined that the company is employing machine learning for certain ancillary functions. These include developing PowerPoint slides, creating early-stage artistic references, and writing draft dialogue.

Notably, Vincke stressed that the end material in the game will be created exclusively by real writers. "Our team is developing all the content manually," he stated.

We are actively increasing our roster of storytellers and are busily forming dedicated writer rooms.

As this area is being specifically referenced — we currently have 23 artistic staff and have job openings for additional artists.

All our efforts we do is supplementary and aimed at letting our team spend additional energy on actual creation.

Any ML tool implemented properly is a boost to a creative team workflow, not a substitute for their craft.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The news of using AI at first provoked unease among portions of the player base. In response, Vincke offered additional detail on public forums.

"At Larian, we employ machine learning to gather inspiration, similar to we use the internet and art books," he stated. "During the very early ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then substitute with authentic illustrations."

He noted, "Larian brings on talent for their inherent skill, not for their ability to execute what a algorithm proposes."

Key Areas of AI Integration

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

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using tools to quickly build rough versions of mechanics to validate concepts before complete implementation.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how AI could in the future enhance innovative reactivity, especially in creating unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.

He specifically stated that core creative areas — including writing — are are absolutely not areas where the team is cutting human involvement. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these precise positions.

"Our studio is neither shipping a game with AI-generated content, nor looking at trimming down staff to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.