The Divinity Developer Details Its Application of Generative AI for New Project
The studio behind popular RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its upcoming project, sparking significant anticipation within the gaming community. However, recent statements from the studio's co-founder have brought a new dimension to the narrative, focusing on the developer's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a new message, Swen Vincke explained that the team is employing generative AI for certain preliminary purposes. These involve developing PowerPoint slides, generating initial concept art, and creating temporary dialogue.
Notably, Vincke stressed that the final material in the game will be crafted solely by human writers. "We are creating every line manually," he affirmed.
Larian is actively growing our team of concept artists and are busily assembling narrative groups.
Since concept art is being particularly referenced — we right now have over twenty artistic staff and have job openings for further talent.
Each initiative we do is supplementary and focused on letting our team spend additional energy on the creative process.
Any ML tool applied correctly is additive to a artist's routine, never a stand-in for their craft.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The revelation of using AI at first sparked backlash among a segment of the community. In reaction, Vincke issued further detail on social media.
"We use machine learning to explore references, similar to we use search engines and art books," he stated. "In the initial ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then substitute with original artwork."
He added, "Our studio recruits artists for their creative vision, not for their willingness to execute what a AI generates."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had earlier outlined the company's targeted strategy to this technology, grouping its use into key pillars:
- Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
- Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using tools to quickly build simple mock-ups of mechanics to experiment with concepts before expensive production.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how AI could eventually create innovative player agency, especially in simulating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.
He clearly noted that core creative disciplines — like visual art — are not departments where the company is replacing artistic talent. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these exact fields.
"Our studio is not releasing a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down creatives to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.
