The Divinity Developer Explains Its Application of Machine Learning for Next Divinity

The developer behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its upcoming project, generating immense anticipation within the industry. However, recent statements from the studio's figurehead have added clarity to the discussion, addressing the team's stance toward machine learning.

Augmenting Workflows, Not Cutting Jobs

In a new message, the studio's founder explained that the developer is utilizing machine learning for certain ancillary purposes. These include enhancing PowerPoint slides, generating initial artistic references, and writing temporary copy.

Importantly, Vincke stressed that the final assets in the game will be authored entirely by human writers. "We are creating every line manually," he affirmed.

We are constantly increasing our pool of concept artists and are currently forming writing teams.

As visual development is being particularly referenced — we currently have twenty-three artistic staff and have job openings for more artists.

Each initiative we do is incremental and designed to having people spend additional energy on making content.

Any ML tool implemented properly is additive to a artist's routine, not a replacement for their skill.

Tempering Reactions with Clear Intent

The news of AI usage initially generated unease among some the community. In response, Vincke issued further detail on social media.

"Our team utilizes machine learning to explore references, similar to we use the internet and reference books," he stated. "In the initial planning process we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then swap out with authentic concept art."

He noted, "Larian brings on artists for their inherent skill, not for their ability to follow what a algorithm proposes."

Focused Uses for Machine Learning

Vincke had in the past broken down the studio's targeted method to machine learning, defining its use into three main functions:

• Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like motion capture cleaning, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like adjusting assets for various species.
• Accelerated Iteration: Using systems to speedily create basic versions of mechanics to experiment with concepts prior to complete development.
• Experimental Frontiers: Researching how machine learning could one day facilitate new forms of gameplay, especially in managing unforeseen permutations in a complex RPG.

He specifically affirmed that key artistic domains — like writing — are are absolutely not fields where the team is reducing human input. Conversely, Larian is actively hiring in these exact positions.

"Our studio is not launching a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not looking at trimming down teams to substitute them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.