🔗 Share this article The Divinity Developer Clarifies Its Implementation of Machine Learning for Upcoming Project The developer behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its next major project, sparking a wave of anticipation within the player base. However, recent remarks from the studio's lead designer have added nuance to the conversation, addressing the developer's stance toward generative artificial intelligence. A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement In a recent clarification, the studio's founder explained that the team is using machine learning for specific supporting purposes. These involve enhancing PowerPoint slides, producing initial artistic references, and writing temporary copy. Importantly, Vincke stressed that the shipping assets in the game will be crafted solely by real artists. "We are developing all the content manually," he affirmed. Larian is continuously growing our team of writers and are currently putting together writing teams. Since visual development is being specifically called out — we presently have 23 visual developers and have positions available for additional talent. Everything we do is additive and aimed at enabling creatives to spend greater focus on actual creation. Every AI system implemented properly is supplementary to a developer's workflow, never a stand-in for their skill. Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision The admission of AI usage at first generated backlash among a segment of the fanbase. In response, Vincke offered more detail on public forums. "We use machine learning to explore references, just like we use the internet and reference books," he explained. "During the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then replace with hand-crafted concept art." He added, "We've hired creatives for their unique talent, not for their capacity to execute what a AI generates." Three Pillars of Practical Application Vincke had in the past detailed the company's targeted approach to this technology, categorizing its use into primary pillars: Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species. Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to speedily create basic versions of gameplay ideas to validate concepts ahead of full development. Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how machine learning could eventually facilitate innovative gameplay, particularly in creating unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world. He specifically stated that central narrative disciplines — such as music composition — are are absolutely not areas where the team is reducing human input. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these exact positions. "We are neither shipping a game with AI-generated content, nor planning on cutting teams to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.
The developer behind hit titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently unveiled its next major project, sparking a wave of anticipation within the player base. However, recent remarks from the studio's lead designer have added nuance to the conversation, addressing the developer's stance toward generative artificial intelligence. A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement In a recent clarification, the studio's founder explained that the team is using machine learning for specific supporting purposes. These involve enhancing PowerPoint slides, producing initial artistic references, and writing temporary copy. Importantly, Vincke stressed that the shipping assets in the game will be crafted solely by real artists. "We are developing all the content manually," he affirmed. Larian is continuously growing our team of writers and are currently putting together writing teams. Since visual development is being specifically called out — we presently have 23 visual developers and have positions available for additional talent. Everything we do is additive and aimed at enabling creatives to spend greater focus on actual creation. Every AI system implemented properly is supplementary to a developer's workflow, never a stand-in for their skill. Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision The admission of AI usage at first generated backlash among a segment of the fanbase. In response, Vincke offered more detail on public forums. "We use machine learning to explore references, just like we use the internet and reference books," he explained. "During the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for composition which we then replace with hand-crafted concept art." He added, "We've hired creatives for their unique talent, not for their capacity to execute what a AI generates." Three Pillars of Practical Application Vincke had in the past detailed the company's targeted approach to this technology, categorizing its use into primary pillars: Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species. Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to speedily create basic versions of gameplay ideas to validate concepts ahead of full development. Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how machine learning could eventually facilitate innovative gameplay, particularly in creating unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world. He specifically stated that central narrative disciplines — such as music composition — are are absolutely not areas where the team is reducing human input. Conversely, Larian is recruiting more in these exact positions. "We are neither shipping a game with AI-generated content, nor planning on cutting teams to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.