Larian Embraces AI for Divinity Development, But Promises No AI in Gameplay: “All Actors Are Human, and We’re Crafting Everything Ourselves”

Larian’s CEO, Swen Vincke, has confirmed that the studio is incorporating AI into the development of Divinity.

The use of generative AI in gaming has sparked plenty of debate. While some fully AI-generated games have missed the mark, many developers are integrating AI as a supplementary tool in their creative processes. For instance, popular titles like Arc Raiders and the less successful Black Ops 7 have faced criticism for their AI implementations, while Running With Scissors scrapped a new Postal spinoff due to backlash over alleged AI involvement. On the other hand, industry figures like Hideo Kojima have discussed leveraging AI to enhance efficiency without compromising the creative integrity of their games.

In a conversation with an outlet, Vincke expressed his desire to expedite the release of Divinity compared to the six-year development cycle of Baldur’s Gate 3. He emphasized the irreplaceable nature of the creative process, stating, “The creative process itself actually is something you cannot accelerate,” and confirmed that Divinity will not feature generative AI content at launch: “Everything is human actors; we’re writing everything ourselves.”

That said, the studio has utilized AI tools for tasks like generating placeholder text and developing concept art during the development phase. Despite some resistance to the use of generative AI within the studio, Vincke mentioned, “I think at this point everyone at the company is more or less OK with the way we’re using it.”

Given the scale of Divinity, the team must remain vigilant to ensure no generative AI content slips through, as seen with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which had some AI elements that were quickly patched out.

Notably, Baldur’s Gate 3 leads Jennifer English and Neil Newbon have voiced their concerns regarding AI-generated content in creative roles. English remarked, “I get it that AI is a tool. I get it, but not to replace creativity.” Newbon added that AI-generated voices “sound crap,” arguing that it would be just as cost-effective to hire actors for minor roles, similar to how Larian employed English for a part in Divinity: Original Sin 2.

“Baldur’s Gate 3 and Original Sin 2 are the blueprint for Divinity”: Larian CEO Swen Vincke on why its next RPG is the “natural evolution” of the studio’s 20-year journey.