The Divinity Developer Explains Its Implementation of Machine Learning for New Divinity

The developer behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its upcoming project, sparking a wave of hype within the player base. However, subsequent remarks from the company's co-founder have introduced clarity to the narrative, addressing the developer's approach toward machine learning.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a new statement, Swen Vincke outlined that the developer is utilizing machine learning for certain ancillary functions. These involve enhancing pitch decks, producing initial concept art, and drafting temporary text.

Importantly, Vincke stressed that the shipping assets in the game will be created solely by actual writers. "Our team is creating everything ourselves," he stated.

We are actively expanding our pool of concept artists and are currently assembling narrative groups.

Given that this area is being explicitly called out — we right now have twenty-three visual developers and have job openings for additional artists.

All our efforts we do is additive and focused on letting our team spend additional energy on making content.

Every AI system used well is a boost to a artist's routine, never a stand-in for their talent.

Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision

The admission of AI usage at first provoked unease among a segment of the player base. In reply, Vincke provided more elaboration on social media.

"We use these tools to explore references, just like we use search engines and art books," he stated. "In the initial ideation stages we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then replace with authentic concept art."

He continued, "We've hired creatives for their creative vision, not for their capacity to follow what a AI generates."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had in the past detailed the team's practical strategy to AI and ML, defining its use into three main functions:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like refining animations, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adapting animations for different models.
• Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using tools to speedily create rough models of scenarios to validate concepts before full development.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how machine learning could one day enhance emergent gameplay, particularly in managing unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.

He explicitly stated that key artistic domains — like writing — are not areas where the studio is replacing artistic talent. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these very roles.

"Our studio is not launching a game with any AI components, nor considering trimming down creatives to substitute them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.