The Divinity Developer Clarifies Its Implementation of Generative AI for Next Divinity Game

The studio behind acclaimed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently unveiled its next major project, sparking significant excitement within the player base. However, recent statements from the company's lead designer have introduced a new dimension to the conversation, addressing the team's philosophy toward generative artificial intelligence.

A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement

In a new clarification, Swen Vincke outlined that the company is utilizing generative AI for specific supporting purposes. These encompass developing presentation materials, generating initial visual ideas, and drafting draft copy.

Crucially, Vincke emphasized that the end content in the game will be crafted solely by actual artists. "Our team is writing all the content in-house," he said.

We are constantly expanding our team of concept artists and are actively forming dedicated writer rooms.

As visual development is being specifically referenced — we currently have over twenty concept artists and have roles to fill for further talent.

Each initiative we do is additive and designed to letting our team spend additional energy on making content.

Any AI system used well is a boost to a developer's process, not a substitute for their talent.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The news of AI usage initially sparked concern among portions of the fanbase. In response, Vincke offered more detail on online platforms.

"At Larian, we employ AI tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use search engines and art books," he wrote. "In the very early brainstorming phase we use it as a simple sketch for composition which we then replace with authentic artwork."

He added, "Larian brings on artists for their unique talent, not for their capacity to follow what a machine suggests."

Key Areas of AI Integration

Vincke had earlier broken down the team's targeted strategy to AI and ML, grouping its use into primary pillars:

• Streamlining Repetitive Work: Areas like motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and technical processes like retargeting animations.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using technology to quickly build rough versions of mechanics to test concepts ahead of complete production.
• Long-Term Aspirations: Investigating how machine learning could in the future facilitate new forms of player agency, specifically in managing dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.

He specifically affirmed that central narrative domains — such as music composition — are are in no way fields where the company is replacing creative input. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these very positions.

"We are not launching a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not looking at cutting staff to replace them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.