The Divinity Developer Details Its Application of AI Tools for New Divinity Game
The developer behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its next major project, generating significant hype within the gaming community. However, recent statements from the company's co-founder have brought nuance to the narrative, focusing on the studio's stance toward machine learning.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a recent statement, Swen Vincke outlined that the developer is utilizing machine learning for particular preliminary tasks. These include enhancing presentation materials, producing initial visual ideas, and writing placeholder dialogue.
Notably, Vincke stressed that the end assets in the game will be crafted solely by human creatives. "Our team is writing every line ourselves," he said.
We are constantly increasing our roster of writers and are busily putting together writing teams.
Given that this area is being specifically called out — we presently have over twenty visual developers and have positions available for more creatives.
Each initiative we do is incremental and focused on letting our team spend greater focus on the creative process.
Any AI system applied correctly is a boost to a artist's process, not a replacement for their skill.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The revelation of employing this technology originally generated backlash among a segment of the community. In reaction, Vincke provided further clarification on online platforms.
"At Larian, we employ machine learning to gather inspiration, similar to we use search engines and art books," he wrote. "During the initial planning process we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then substitute with original artwork."
He added, "Larian brings on talent for their creative vision, not for their capacity to execute what a AI generates."
Focused Uses for Machine Learning
Vincke had earlier broken down the team's focused approach to AI and ML, categorizing its use into primary functions:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: This encompasses refining animations, voice editing, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to speedily create basic mock-ups of scenarios to validate concepts before expensive implementation.
- Long-Term Aspirations: Researching how machine learning could in the future facilitate new forms of player agency, particularly in simulating unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.
He clearly stated that key artistic domains — including visual art — are not fields where the company is cutting artistic talent. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these very fields.
"We are not launching a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not considering trimming down teams to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.
