🔗 Share this article The Divinity Developer Details Its Implementation of Machine Learning for Upcoming Project The team behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its next major project, sparking a wave of anticipation within the gaming community. However, recent statements from the studio's figurehead have brought a new dimension to the narrative, addressing the developer's philosophy toward machine learning. Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs In a recent statement, the studio's founder outlined that the team is utilizing generative AI for certain supporting tasks. These include enhancing presentation materials, generating early-stage artistic references, and drafting placeholder text. Notably, Vincke made clear that the shipping content in the game will be created exclusively by human creatives. "Our team is writing everything manually," he affirmed. We are continuously growing our roster of writers and are currently putting together writing teams. Since visual development is being particularly referenced — we currently have twenty-three concept artists and have positions available for more artists. All our efforts we do is supplementary and focused on having people spend greater focus on the creative process. Any ML tool used well is additive to a developer's workflow, not a substitute for their skill. Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision The admission of employing this technology initially sparked backlash among some the player base. In response, Vincke provided further detail on social media. "Our team utilizes AI tools to research ideas, in the same way we use the internet and physical media," he stated. "In the initial ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then replace with hand-crafted artwork." He noted, "We've hired artists for their unique talent, not for their capacity to replicate what a machine suggests." Key Areas of AI Integration Vincke had earlier detailed the company's focused strategy to this technology, grouping its use into key areas: Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses polishing mocap data, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species. Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to speedily create simple models of scenarios to validate concepts prior to full production. Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how machine learning could in the future enhance emergent player agency, specifically in creating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG. He clearly noted that core creative disciplines — including writing — are are in no way departments where the studio is reducing artistic involvement. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these very fields. "We are neither launching a game with AI-generated content, nor planning on trimming down staff to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.
The team behind popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its next major project, sparking a wave of anticipation within the gaming community. However, recent statements from the studio's figurehead have brought a new dimension to the narrative, addressing the developer's philosophy toward machine learning. Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs In a recent statement, the studio's founder outlined that the team is utilizing generative AI for certain supporting tasks. These include enhancing presentation materials, generating early-stage artistic references, and drafting placeholder text. Notably, Vincke made clear that the shipping content in the game will be created exclusively by human creatives. "Our team is writing everything manually," he affirmed. We are continuously growing our roster of writers and are currently putting together writing teams. Since visual development is being particularly referenced — we currently have twenty-three concept artists and have positions available for more artists. All our efforts we do is supplementary and focused on having people spend greater focus on the creative process. Any ML tool used well is additive to a developer's workflow, not a substitute for their skill. Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision The admission of employing this technology initially sparked backlash among some the player base. In response, Vincke provided further detail on social media. "Our team utilizes AI tools to research ideas, in the same way we use the internet and physical media," he stated. "In the initial ideation stages we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then replace with hand-crafted artwork." He noted, "We've hired artists for their unique talent, not for their capacity to replicate what a machine suggests." Key Areas of AI Integration Vincke had earlier detailed the company's focused strategy to this technology, grouping its use into key areas: Handling Monotonous Jobs: This encompasses polishing mocap data, audio processing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species. Fast-Tracked Experimentation: Using technology to speedily create simple models of scenarios to validate concepts prior to full production. Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how machine learning could in the future enhance emergent player agency, specifically in creating player-driven narratives in a complex RPG. He clearly noted that core creative disciplines — including writing — are are in no way departments where the studio is reducing artistic involvement. In fact, Larian is expanding its staff in these very fields. "We are neither launching a game with AI-generated content, nor planning on trimming down staff to substitute them with artificial intelligence," Vincke stated definitively.