The Divinity Developer Clarifies Its Implementation of Generative AI for Next Project

The studio behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its upcoming project, sparking immense hype within the industry. However, recent statements from the studio's co-founder have added clarity to the narrative, touching on the developer's philosophy toward generative artificial intelligence.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a recent statement, Larian's director explained that the developer is employing machine learning for specific ancillary functions. These include developing pitch decks, generating initial visual ideas, and writing draft copy.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the final assets in the game will be crafted entirely by human writers. "Larian is creating all the content manually," he said.

We are constantly expanding our roster of storytellers and are currently putting together writing teams.

Given that this area is being specifically mentioned — we right now have over twenty artistic staff and have roles to fill for additional talent.

Everything we do is additive and aimed at having people spend greater focus on making content.

Every AI system applied correctly is additive to a artist's workflow, not a substitute for their skill.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The admission of employing this technology initially provoked unease among a segment of the fanbase. In reply, Vincke provided additional clarification on public forums.

"Our team utilizes these tools to explore references, in the same way we use search engines and reference books," he explained. "During the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then replace with original concept art."

He added, "Our studio recruits creatives for their unique talent, not for their ability to execute what a AI generates."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had earlier broken down the team's practical strategy to this technology, defining its use into key pillars:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes polishing mocap data, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to speedily create rough versions of scenarios to experiment with concepts before complete development.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how AI could in the future facilitate new forms of reactivity, especially in creating player-driven narratives in a vast role-playing world.

He clearly noted that central narrative disciplines — such as writing — are are absolutely not areas where the team is replacing artistic involvement. On the contrary, Larian is recruiting more in these exact fields.

"Larian is not releasing a game with machine-made assets, nor planning on reducing teams to replace them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.