The Divinity Developer Clarifies Its Implementation of Generative AI for New Divinity

The team behind hit RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin recently teased its next major project, sparking significant anticipation within the gaming community. However, subsequent statements from the company's figurehead have added clarity to the discussion, focusing on the team's stance toward generative artificial intelligence.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Substitute

In a recent clarification, Larian's director explained that the team is utilizing AI technology for certain supporting tasks. These involve fleshing out PowerPoint slides, producing early-stage artistic references, and creating placeholder text.

Importantly, Vincke stressed that the shipping material in the game will be crafted entirely by human creatives. "Larian is writing every line manually," he stated.

Our studio is actively growing our team of writers and are busily forming writing teams.

Given that concept art is being particularly called out — we presently have over twenty visual developers and have positions available for more talent.

All our efforts we do is incremental and designed to enabling creatives to spend greater focus on actual creation.

Any AI system implemented properly is additive to a developer's routine, not a replacement for their craft.

Responding to Feedback and Defining the Path

The news of employing this technology originally sparked backlash among a segment of the player base. In reply, Vincke offered further elaboration on social media.

"We use AI tools to gather inspiration, in the same way we use the internet and physical media," he stated. "In the conceptual ideation stages we use it as a basic framework for structure which we then replace with original illustrations."

He added, "Larian brings on creatives for their inherent skill, not for their willingness to replicate what a AI generates."

Three Pillars of Practical Application

Vincke had previously outlined the team's targeted strategy to this technology, grouping its use into primary functions:

  • Automation of Tedious Tasks: Areas like refining animations, voice editing, and Larian-specific work like retargeting animations.
  • Accelerated Iteration: Using tools to rapidly prototype simple mock-ups of mechanics to validate concepts prior to expensive production.
  • Future Potential for Gameplay: Exploring how machine learning could one day facilitate innovative player agency, especially in managing dynamic reactions in a vast role-playing world.

He specifically stated that central narrative disciplines — like writing — are are in no way fields where the studio is replacing artistic involvement. In fact, Larian is actively hiring in these exact roles.

"Larian is neither shipping a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not planning on cutting staff to swap them out with artificial intelligence," Vincke concluded.

Stacey Livingston
Stacey Livingston

Elara Vance is a financial strategist with over a decade of experience in wealth management and personal finance coaching.