The Divinity Developer Clarifies Its Application of Machine Learning for Next Project

The studio behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently shown its upcoming project, creating a wave of hype within the player base. However, recent statements from the studio's figurehead have introduced a new dimension to the narrative, addressing the team's approach toward machine learning.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a latest clarification, Swen Vincke detailed that the company is utilizing machine learning for certain supporting purposes. These involve developing presentation materials, producing rough concept art, and creating temporary copy.

Importantly, Vincke made clear that the end material in the game will be created solely by human writers. "Larian is creating everything ourselves," he said.

We are continuously growing our team of concept artists and are currently assembling narrative groups.

Since visual development is being particularly mentioned — we presently have 23 artistic staff and have roles to fill for more artists.

Each initiative we do is incremental and designed to having people spend greater focus on actual creation.

Any AI system applied correctly is a boost to a developer's routine, not a replacement for their craft.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The news of employing this technology at first sparked unease among some the player base. In reply, Vincke offered more elaboration on public forums.

"We use machine learning to gather inspiration, similar to we use the internet and reference books," he explained. "During the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a basic framework for layout which we then replace with original illustrations."

He noted, "We've hired artists for their creative vision, not for their ability to replicate what a algorithm proposes."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had earlier outlined the studio's practical strategy to this technology, grouping its use into three main areas:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: This includes motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to quickly build rough models of scenarios to experiment with concepts ahead of complete development.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Exploring how AI could eventually enhance innovative reactivity, especially in creating dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.

He explicitly affirmed that key artistic disciplines — like music composition — are are absolutely not areas where the team is cutting human input. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these precise fields.

"Our studio is neither releasing a game with AI-generated content, nor planning on reducing creatives to replace them with AI," Vincke summarized.