Larian Studios Faces Backlash Over AI Use in Divinity Progress; Plans AMA After Holidays
Table of Contents
- 1. Larian Studios Faces Backlash Over AI Use in Divinity Progress; Plans AMA After Holidays
- 2. timeline at a Glance
- 3. What This Means for AI in Gaming
- 4. Evergreen insights for Readers
- 5. Engage With Us
- 6. What advantages does poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) offer as a binder in silicon-based negative electrode materials compared to carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)?
Breaking: Larian Studios, the studio behind the acclaimed Baldur’s Gate 3, is tackling a wave of criticism over its use of generative AI in the development of its upcoming RPG, Divinity. The controversy intensified after a Bloomberg interview and subsequent coverage in GameSpot raised questions about AI-assisted concept art and interim text during production.
CEO swen Vincke pushed back publicly, saying many messages were distorted in transmission and insisting the studio is growing its team of artists rather than shrinking it. He later issued a formal statement reiterating that Larian’s core value is autonomy and that technology will be pursued only if it benefits the team, the game, and the players.
Vincke stressed that the studio believes it would be irresponsible not to evaluate new technologies, but that any process inconsistent with the company’s values can-and will-be changed. To address questions directly, Larian plans an online Q&A, or AMA, after the holidays, with representatives from multiple departments present to discuss Divinity and its development. The exact date will be announced in the New Year.
Background context shows that the debate is not the first time Larian has discussed AI usage. Earlier this year, Vincke indicated to GameSpot that machine-learning tools could automate tasks that are or else undesirable, while emphasizing that the final product would be created by real actors and writers, with no AI-generated content in the finished game.
timeline at a Glance
| Event | Date / status | key Point |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomberg interview | Earlier this year | Revealed plans to use generative AI for concept art and temporary text during Divinity development; final content to be produced by humans. |
| Public backlash | Following publication | Fans and some developers voiced concerns over AI reliance and the potential impact on artistry. |
| Vincke’s initial response | shortly after backlash | Denied a “big push” toward AI; asserted that artist roles were expanding, not shrinking. |
| Formal clarification | One week later | Emphasized autonomy as core values and openness to evolving processes that align with those values. |
| Upcoming AMA | After holidays | Online session to answer questions about Divinity and development; date to be announced in the New Year. |
What This Means for AI in Gaming
As the industry increasingly experiments with AI tools, studios face a delicate balance between accelerating workflows and preserving creative control. Larian’s stance highlights a broader debate: technology can streamline production without compromising the human touch that defines storytelling and game design.
Evergreen insights for Readers
- Transparency matters: Publicly sharing how AI is used in development helps players understand where human artistry remains essential.
- Maintaining quality: Studios can adopt AI for non-critical tasks while ensuring final output is shaped by human authors and performers.
- Adaptive workflows: A commitment to revising processes that clash with core values can sustain trust during innovation drives.
Engage With Us
1) Do you support AI-assisted workflows in game development, provided final content is human-authored? 2) Should studios publish clear AI governance policies early in the development cycle?
share your thoughts in the comments and on social media as this developing story unfolds.
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