The Divinity Developer Details Its Use of Machine Learning for Upcoming Divinity Game

The team behind popular role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its upcoming project, sparking immense excitement within the player base. However, recent remarks from the studio's co-founder have brought nuance to the discussion, focusing on the team's stance toward AI tools.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a recent statement, Swen Vincke explained that the developer is using machine learning for specific preliminary tasks. These include fleshing out pitch decks, creating early-stage concept art, and writing draft text.

Notably, Vincke emphasized that the end assets in the game will be created exclusively by human artists. "We are writing every line manually," he said.

Our studio is actively increasing our roster of storytellers and are currently assembling narrative groups.

As visual development is being explicitly referenced — we presently have 23 artistic staff and have roles to fill for additional talent.

Each initiative we do is incremental and focused on enabling creatives to spend greater focus on actual creation.

Any ML tool implemented properly is a boost to a developer's routine, not a substitute for their talent.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The news of AI usage originally provoked backlash among some the community. In reaction, Vincke provided further clarification on online platforms.

"At Larian, we employ AI tools to gather inspiration, just like we use search engines and physical media," he wrote. "In the conceptual brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then replace with hand-crafted illustrations."

He continued, "We've hired creatives for their creative vision, not for their willingness to execute what a machine suggests."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had in the past detailed the team's practical approach to this technology, grouping its use into key areas:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like polishing mocap data, voice editing, and pipeline-specific tasks like adapting animations for different models.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to quickly build basic mock-ups of mechanics to validate concepts before complete implementation.
• Future Potential for Gameplay: Researching how machine learning could in the future create emergent player agency, particularly in simulating dynamic reactions in a complex RPG.

He specifically affirmed that central narrative areas — including writing — are are absolutely not areas where the team is cutting creative input. On the contrary, Larian is expanding its staff in these exact fields.

"We are neither releasing a game with any AI components, and we are certainly not planning on reducing creatives to replace them with artificial intelligence," Vincke summarized.