The Divinity Developer Details Its Implementation of Machine Learning for Upcoming Divinity
The developer behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just unveiled its next major project, generating immense hype within the gaming community. However, subsequent remarks from the studio's lead designer have added clarity to the narrative, focusing on the team's approach toward generative artificial intelligence.
Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs
In a latest message, Larian's director explained that the company is utilizing AI technology for certain ancillary tasks. These involve enhancing presentation materials, producing initial visual ideas, and drafting placeholder dialogue.
Importantly, Vincke made clear that the end content in the game will be authored solely by human artists. "Our team is developing all the content ourselves," he said.
Larian is actively growing our team of storytellers and are busily forming writing teams.
Given that visual development is being particularly referenced — we currently have 23 visual developers and have roles to fill for further creatives.
Everything we do is supplementary and designed to enabling creatives to spend greater focus on the creative process.
Every ML tool used well is a boost to a creative team process, not a replacement for their skill.
Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path
The admission of using AI at first generated unease among a segment of the fanbase. In reply, Vincke provided additional detail on online platforms.
"Our team utilizes these tools to explore references, just like we use Google and physical media," he explained. "During the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for structure which we then swap out with authentic concept art."
He noted, "Larian brings on artists for their creative vision, not for their willingness to execute what a algorithm proposes."
Key Areas of AI Integration
Vincke had in the past outlined the studio's targeted method to this technology, categorizing its use into key areas:
- Streamlining Repetitive Work: This includes polishing mocap data, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
- Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to rapidly prototype basic mock-ups of mechanics to test concepts prior to complete development.
- Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how machine learning could one day facilitate emergent player agency, especially in creating player-driven narratives in a detailed game universe.
He clearly noted that core creative disciplines — including writing — are are in no way fields where the company is replacing human involvement. Conversely, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact positions.
"Our studio is not shipping a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down creatives to substitute them with AI," Vincke summarized.