The Divinity Developer Details Its Application of AI Tools for New Project

The developer behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its new project, sparking immense hype within the industry. However, subsequent statements from the studio's co-founder have brought clarity to the discussion, addressing the team's stance toward machine learning.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a recent statement, Larian's director detailed that the team is employing machine learning for certain ancillary purposes. These include enhancing pitch decks, creating rough visual ideas, and writing placeholder copy.

Crucially, Vincke made clear that the end material in the game will be created solely by human creatives. "We are developing everything in-house," he stated.

Our studio is constantly increasing our roster of storytellers and are busily forming writing teams.

As this area is being specifically mentioned — we right now have twenty-three artistic staff and have positions available for more talent.

Everything we do is incremental and focused on enabling creatives to spend more time on the creative process.

Any AI system applied correctly is a boost to a developer's workflow, not a substitute for their talent.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The news of employing this technology at first generated backlash among some the player base. In reaction, Vincke issued additional detail on online platforms.

"Our team utilizes these tools to explore references, similar to we use search engines and physical media," he stated. "In the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then swap out with original illustrations."

He added, "Our studio recruits talent for their creative vision, not for their capacity to replicate what a machine suggests."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had previously broken down the team's targeted strategy to machine learning, categorizing its use into primary pillars:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like motion capture cleaning, audio processing, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to quickly build rough versions of gameplay ideas to validate concepts ahead of complete implementation.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how AI could one day create new forms of reactivity, especially in simulating player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.

He clearly noted that central narrative domains — including music composition — are not fields where the team is replacing creative talent. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these precise positions.

"Our studio is not launching a game with machine-made assets, nor looking at trimming down teams to swap them out with AI," Vincke summarized.