Larian CEO: We Use AI, But Not in Divinity Games
▼ Summary
– Larian Studios is using generative AI tools for tasks like concept art and placeholder text in development, but its upcoming Divinity game will contain no AI-generated content.
– CEO Swen Vincke stated that while AI is used as an exploratory tool, it has not significantly improved the studio’s overall development efficiency.
– The studio aims to shorten Divinity’s production time compared to Baldur’s Gate 3 by using AI, parallel development of quests, and increasing its team size.
– Vincke views AI as an additional tool to expand creative possibilities, not as a replacement for human developers, though its practical in-game use remains limited.
– Despite some initial internal pushback, the company is now generally comfortable with its current, limited application of AI technology.
The video game industry is actively exploring the role of artificial intelligence, and Larian Studios is no exception. While the developer behind the acclaimed Baldur’s Gate 3 utilizes AI tools in its creative process, CEO Swen Vincke has made a definitive statement: the studio’s upcoming Divinity title will contain no AI-generated content. This clarification comes as Larian aims to streamline production for its next major project, seeking methods to reduce the lengthy development cycle experienced with its previous hit.
In a recent discussion, Vincke outlined how Larian currently employs generative AI. These tools assist with brainstorming concepts, enhancing internal presentations, generating early concept art, and drafting placeholder text. However, he was quick to temper expectations about the technology’s impact on productivity, noting it has not led to a massive improvement in efficiency. For the new Divinity game, the commitment is to purely human craftsmanship. “Everything is human actors; we’re writing everything ourselves,” Vincke stated, emphasizing a hands-on approach to narrative and design.
This internal policy on AI has not been without some debate within the company. Vincke acknowledged initial pushback but believes the team has now largely reached a consensus on its limited, supportive role. The primary goal for Divinity is to complete development faster than the sprawling Baldur’s Gate 3. Alongside exploring AI as a supplementary tool, Larian plans to develop quests and storylines in parallel rather than sequentially and will continue to expand its team size to manage the ambitious project.
Growth itself presents both opportunities and challenges, a reality Vincke openly acknowledges. Expanding to meet the demands of large-scale game development brings a host of new responsibilities and unforeseen problems. The studio must navigate this increased scale while maintaining its creative vision. Vincke has consistently framed AI not as a replacement for human talent but as an additional instrument in the toolbox. In past interviews, he described it as something that allows the team to “do more stuff,” while cautioning that it remains far from being a polished, standalone solution for final game content.
The forthcoming Divinity game is described by Vincke as “us unleashed,” confirming it will be a turn-based role-playing game that fully embodies the studio’s creative ambitions. This news follows the recent release of a current-generation upgrade for Larian’s earlier title, Divinity: Original Sin 2, now available on modern consoles including the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and the Nintendo Switch 2.
(Source: Euro Gamer)
