Larian Studios is embracing generative AI for parts of its game development, but CEO Swen Vincke made it clear that their upcoming title, Divinity, won’t include any AI-generated content. This follows the studio’s success with Baldur’s Gate 3, which raised the bar for expansive RPGs.
Vincke shared insights during an interview with Bloomberg, noting that while Larian is experimenting with AI, it hasn’t drastically improved their efficiency. The tools assist with brainstorming, internal presentations, concept art, and writing placeholder text, but when it comes to the creative core of Divinity, “everything is human actors; we’re writing everything ourselves,” said Vincke.
AI’s Role and Creative Control
AI is being used at Larian, but not as a crutch. Vincke expressed that the tool helps in generating ideas rather than replacing developers. He sees it as a way to “do more stuff,” yet it still requires careful experimentation. The studio aims to trim down Divinity’s development time compared to Baldur’s Gate 3 and plans to work on quests and storylines in parallel.
A dedicated team is crucial as Larian expands. “I think a lot of founders have the same problem,” Vincke noted. The growth brings responsibilities that can be surprising, but he’s determined to adapt and thrive.
Transition to Divinity’s Development
The upcoming game is being pitched as “us unleashed” and will be a turn-based RPG. This shift reflects Larian’s commitment to crafting a rich gaming experience while also addressing growth challenges.
Earlier this week, Larian released a current-gen upgrade for Divinity: Original Sin 2, making it available on Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. This helps maintain interest in their existing titles while working towards the new project.
