The Divinity Developer Details Its Application of AI Tools for New Divinity Game
The team behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its next major project, sparking immense hype within the player base. However, follow-up remarks from the company's co-founder have brought clarity to the narrative, addressing the developer's approach toward AI tools.
AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute
In a latest clarification, the studio's founder explained that the team is employing AI technology for specific supporting purposes. These involve fleshing out PowerPoint slides, creating initial concept art, and drafting temporary text.
Notably, Vincke emphasized that the shipping assets in the game will be crafted exclusively by real writers. "Our team is writing every line manually," he stated.
Larian is continuously growing our team of storytellers and are currently putting together narrative groups.
Given that this area is being specifically called out — we presently have twenty-three artistic staff and have job openings for additional talent.
Each initiative we do is additive and focused on enabling creatives to spend more time on actual creation.
Every machine learning application implemented properly is a boost to a artist's workflow, never a stand-in for their talent.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The admission of AI usage initially generated unease among a segment of the fanbase. In response, Vincke offered further clarification on social media.
"Our team utilizes AI tools to explore references, just like we use search engines and reference books," he stated. "During the very early ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for layout which we then replace with hand-crafted illustrations."
He noted, "Larian brings on artists for their creative vision, not for their ability to execute what a AI generates."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had previously broken down the team's focused method to AI and ML, grouping its use into three main areas:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes refining animations, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to speedily create simple models of scenarios to validate concepts ahead of full implementation.
- Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how AI could eventually facilitate innovative reactivity, especially in simulating unforeseen permutations in a detailed game universe.
He clearly noted that key artistic areas — like visual art — are are in no way areas where the studio is replacing human involvement. In fact, Larian is recruiting more in these exact positions.
"Larian is neither releasing a game with any AI components, nor considering trimming down teams to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.