Larian Studios CEO Swen Vincke has addressed growing controversy surrounding the studio’s use of AI tools in the development of its upcoming RPG, Divinity. Following backlash from fans and developers, Vincke said recent comments about AI adoption were widely misunderstood and taken out of context.
The clarification comes days after Larian confirmed that generative AI is being evaluated internally, sparking debate across the gaming community about ethics, creativity, and the future of RPG development.
Larian Responds To AI Concerns Around Divinity
In a public statement shared on social media, Vincke said that “a lot has been lost in translation” since the announcement of Divinity. He emphasized that Larian’s core philosophy remains centered on creative freedom, craftsmanship, and empowering human developers.
According to Vincke, AI tools are not being used to generate final in-game content. Instead, they assist with early-stage tasks such as placeholder text and concept exploration, which are later replaced by work from writers, artists, and actors.
No AI-Generated Content Planned For The Final Game
Larian has reiterated that Divinity will not feature AI-generated writing, voice acting, or finished artwork. Vincke stated that all narrative content and performances are created by human talent, addressing fears that AI could replace creative roles.
The studio says its internal use of machine learning focuses on speeding up repetitive or administrative tasks rather than altering the creative direction of the RPG.
AMA Planned To Address Player Questions
To further clarify its stance, Larian Studios confirmed plans to host an Ask Me Anything session after the holiday break. Developers from multiple departments will participate, allowing fans to ask direct questions about Divinity’s development process and the studio’s approach to AI tools.
At the time of writing, a specific date for the AMA has not been announced, but Larian says more details will be shared once the studio returns from its holiday break.
Context: Why The AI Discussion Escalated
The backlash followed interviews in which Vincke said it would be “irresponsible” not to evaluate new technologies. While some players viewed the statement as practical, others interpreted it as an endorsement of generative AI in game development.
Larian, best known for Baldur’s Gate 3 and its reputation for player-driven RPGs, has since found itself at the center of a broader industry debate about AI ethics, transparency, and trust.
What’s Next
Larian’s upcoming AMA is expected to shed more light on how AI fits into Divinity’s production pipeline. Until then, the studio maintains that its commitment to human creativity and high-quality RPG design remains unchanged.
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