The Divinity Developer Clarifies Its Use of Machine Learning for Upcoming Project

The developer behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin has recently shown its new project, generating significant excitement within the player base. However, recent remarks from the company's lead designer have added nuance to the discussion, touching on the studio's philosophy toward machine learning.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a latest statement, the studio's founder explained that the team is using AI technology for particular ancillary tasks. These include enhancing presentation materials, creating early-stage concept art, and drafting draft dialogue.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the shipping assets in the game will be created solely by real creatives. "We are creating every line in-house," he affirmed.

Our studio is continuously increasing our roster of concept artists and are actively putting together narrative groups.

As this area is being specifically called out — we right now have 23 concept artists and have job openings for further talent.

Each initiative we do is supplementary and designed to having people spend additional energy on the creative process.

Any machine learning application used well is a boost to a developer's routine, not a replacement for their talent.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The revelation of using AI initially generated backlash among some the fanbase. In reply, Vincke provided more elaboration on public forums.

"At Larian, we employ machine learning to gather inspiration, in the same way we use search engines and physical media," he wrote. "During the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then substitute with hand-crafted concept art."

He noted, "Our studio recruits creatives for their creative vision, not for their ability to execute what a algorithm proposes."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had earlier outlined the team's practical approach to this technology, categorizing its use into key pillars:

• Handling Monotonous Jobs: Areas like motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like retargeting animations.
• Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using systems to quickly build rough mock-ups of scenarios to experiment with concepts ahead of expensive implementation.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how machine learning could eventually create new forms of gameplay, particularly in creating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG.

He specifically noted that core creative disciplines — like writing — are not departments where the team is replacing human involvement. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these precise roles.

"We are neither releasing a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not planning on reducing teams to replace them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.