The Divinity Developer Details Its Application of Machine Learning for Next Divinity Game
The developer behind hit role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin just teased its next major project, generating significant hype within the player base. However, recent remarks from the studio's lead designer have added nuance to the narrative, touching on the team's stance toward machine learning.
A Tool for Ideation, Not Replacement
In a recent clarification, Larian's director detailed that the team is employing AI technology for particular preliminary purposes. These encompass developing PowerPoint slides, producing initial concept art, and writing temporary text.
Crucially, Vincke emphasized that the final content in the game will be created entirely by actual writers. "Larian is developing every line in-house," he affirmed.
Larian is constantly growing our team of writers and are actively forming dedicated writer rooms.
Given that visual development is being explicitly called out — we right now have twenty-three concept artists and have positions available for additional creatives.
Each initiative we do is supplementary and designed to having people spend more time on making content.
Every machine learning application applied correctly is a boost to a developer's routine, not a substitute for their skill.
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Vision
The revelation of employing this technology at first provoked unease among some the player base. In reply, Vincke offered further detail on public forums.
"Our team utilizes these tools to explore references, similar to we use search engines and art books," he wrote. "During the initial brainstorming phase we use it as a rough outline for composition which we then swap out with original artwork."
He continued, "We've hired artists for their unique talent, not for their capacity to replicate what a algorithm proposes."
Focused Uses for Machine Learning
Vincke had in the past detailed the team's practical strategy to machine learning, grouping its use into primary functions:
- Handling Monotonous Jobs: This includes motion capture cleaning, dialogue cleanup, and pipeline-specific tasks like adjusting assets for various species.
- Rapid Prototyping ('White Boxing'): Using technology to quickly build basic versions of scenarios to experiment with concepts ahead of complete production.
- Experimental Frontiers: Investigating how machine learning could eventually enhance emergent reactivity, particularly in managing unforeseen permutations in a vast role-playing world.
He clearly stated that key artistic areas — like writing — are not areas where the company is cutting creative involvement. On the contrary, Larian is actively hiring in these precise fields.
"Larian is neither releasing a game with machine-made assets, and we are certainly not looking at cutting teams to substitute them with AI," Vincke stated definitively.
