The Divinity Developer Details Its Application of Machine Learning for Upcoming Project

The team behind acclaimed role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently teased its next major project, creating significant excitement within the industry. However, follow-up comments from the studio's co-founder have brought clarity to the narrative, focusing on the studio's stance toward machine learning.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a new message, Larian's director explained that the developer is employing generative AI for certain supporting purposes. These involve developing PowerPoint slides, creating initial visual ideas, and creating placeholder copy.

Crucially, Vincke emphasized that the final material in the game will be authored entirely by actual creatives. "We are developing everything in-house," he stated.

We are actively increasing our team of writers and are currently forming narrative groups.

As visual development is being explicitly mentioned — we presently have 23 artistic staff and have job openings for further artists.

Everything we do is incremental and designed to enabling creatives to spend more time on making content.

Every machine learning application implemented properly is additive to a creative team routine, not a replacement for their talent.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The news of employing this technology at first provoked concern among a segment of the fanbase. In reaction, Vincke issued further clarification on public forums.

"We use these tools to research ideas, similar to we use search engines and physical media," he wrote. "In the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then replace with authentic artwork."

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

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had in the past outlined the team's focused strategy to machine learning, categorizing its use into three main functions:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like refining animations, voice editing, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to quickly build simple versions of mechanics to test concepts ahead of expensive production.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how AI could in the future facilitate new forms of player agency, specifically in creating dynamic reactions in a complex RPG.

He clearly affirmed that central narrative domains — including music composition — are are absolutely not departments where the studio is cutting artistic talent. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these precise fields.

"Our studio is not releasing a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not considering trimming down creatives to substitute them with AI," Vincke summarized.