The Divinity Developer Explains Its Use of Generative AI for Upcoming Divinity Game
The studio behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its upcoming project, creating a wave of hype within the player base. However, subsequent remarks from the studio's co-founder have introduced nuance to the discussion, touching on the developer's philosophy toward generative artificial intelligence.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a recent message, Swen Vincke explained that the developer is employing machine learning for specific supporting purposes. These encompass developing presentation materials, generating rough artistic references, and writing draft dialogue.
Importantly, Vincke stressed that the end assets in the game will be authored solely by real writers. "Larian is creating all the content ourselves," he affirmed.
Our studio is constantly expanding our roster of concept artists and are currently assembling narrative groups.
As this area is being explicitly called out β we presently have 23 concept artists and have positions available for additional talent.
Each initiative we do is incremental and aimed at letting our team spend additional energy on actual creation.
Any ML tool implemented properly is supplementary to a developer's workflow, not a substitute for their craft.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The revelation of employing this technology originally provoked unease among portions of the community. In response, Vincke provided further detail on online platforms.
"We use AI tools to research ideas, just like we use search engines and art books," he stated. "During the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then swap out with authentic illustrations."
He continued, "Larian brings on creatives for their creative vision, not for their willingness to replicate what a AI generates."
Three Pillars of Practical Application
Vincke had previously detailed the studio's practical strategy to this technology, defining its use into primary functions:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to quickly build simple mock-ups of gameplay ideas to experiment with concepts ahead of expensive implementation.
- Experimental Frontiers: Exploring how AI could one day enhance new forms of player agency, specifically in creating unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.
He clearly stated that key artistic domains β like visual art β are are in no way areas where the team is reducing human input. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these very roles.
"We are neither releasing a game with AI-generated content, and we are certainly not planning on trimming down staff to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.
