A storm of controversy has surrounded Larian Studios following their announcement of a new Divinity game at The Game Awards 2025. The uproar wasn’t over the game’s revelation itself but rather stemmed from CEO Swen Vincke’s comments about the studio’s experimentation with GenAI tools during development. This admission sparked a fierce backlash within the gaming community.
Backlash and Industry Reaction
Critics from both players and industry professionals have been vocal, with some game writers and former Larian employees expressing dissatisfaction over the studio’s hiring practices and the initial introduction of GenAI. While some industry figures, such as Warhorse Studios founder Daniel Vávra, have defended Larian, a significant portion of the audience remains unsatisfied, demanding a complete denouncement of GenAI.
Vincke acknowledged the criticism, stating that much of the debate was lost in translation and announced a Reddit AMA for open dialogue with the community. As expected, the discussion quickly focused on the role of GenAI in Divinity’s development.
Clarifying GenAI’s Role in Development
During the Reddit AMA, Vincke assured the community, “There is not going to be any GenAI art in Divinity,” clarifying that while GenAI was part of the concept art exploration, it wouldn’t produce the final artwork. He affirmed Larian’s commitment to transparency regarding art origins and stated the studio would refrain from using GenAI tools for concept art.
Despite this, Vincke reiterated that GenAI could still play a role in other developmental areas to enhance efficiency. This approach aims to speed up processes, allowing for more iterations and a refined development cycle, potentially leading to a higher-quality game.
Writing and GenAI Limitations
Larian Studios’ writing director, Adam Smith, confirmed that the limited use of GenAI applies to writing as well. Placeholder text generated by these tools showed subpar results and didn’t benefit development compared to traditional methods. Smith emphasized that despite the experimentation, the quality of writing requires human refinement to meet the studio’s standards.
While the explanation may not appease all critics, Larian Studios’ stance on GenAI shows a shift towards more cautious use in game development. The debate over generative AI’s place in the industry is far from over, reflecting a broader controversy that continues to divide opinions.