In a dramatic unveiling, Larian Studios has captured the gaming world’s attention with a visceral new trailer for their upcoming role-playing title, Divinity. Known for their work on Baldur’s Gate 3, the studio has once again proven its penchant for pushing storytelling boundaries.
Divinity made a striking debut during The Game Awards with a CG trailer that doesn’t shy away from graphic content, featuring themes of gore and sexuality. The medieval setting kicks off with villagers engaging in a ritual that involves setting a man ablaze. As music fills the air, the merriment is juxtaposed with disturbing scenes of vomiting and a mother and child watching with anticipation.
As the flames consume the man, chaos ensues. The crowd indulges in sex and self-flagellation, intensifying the grotesque atmosphere. Suddenly, the ritual goes awry. The man’s body erupts with horrific wounds, culminating in an explosive end, leaving the villagers fleeing in panic. Meanwhile, pigs delight in the aftermath, contrasting the horror with an unsettling calm.
The trailer has ignited widespread debate. While some applaud Larian for embracing dark themes reminiscent of Baldur’s Gate 3, others criticize it as “gore porn,” arguing it crosses moral boundaries.
The Studio’s Intentions
Michael Douse, the publishing director at Larian, shed light on the studio’s approach in a recent response to feedback from illustrator and YouTuber Kala Elizabeth. While Elizabeth commended Larian for retaining the raw edge in their storytelling, Douse clarified that the intent was not to shock, but to engage the audience intellectually. “The phrase ‘treating the audience with a level of intellectual respect’ came up a lot in planning,” he said. “It isn’t about trying to shock them, it’s about trying to match their powers of comprehension so that it resonates.”
This perspective appears well-received by fans. Elizabeth expressed excitement about Larian’s trust in their audience, hinting at more daring narratives to come.
What Lies Ahead for Divinity
Much of Divinity remains shrouded in mystery, but fans speculate about the identity of the burning man in the trailer. Set in the world of Rivellon, this new installment promises to expand on Larian’s previous successes, as evidenced by the tagline: “the gods are silent. Rivellon bleeds. New powers stir.”
According to the official description, Divinity aims to deliver an RPG experience with greater depth than ever before. While newcomers can dive into this fresh adventure, veterans of Divinity: Original Sin and its sequel will find additional layers of continuity and enrichment.
Swen Vincke, Larian Studios’ founder and game director, emphasized, “Despite our long history with the series, this is our first game entitled Divinity. We’re ready to bring everything we’ve done previously into one place. This marks the beginning of something with more breadth, depth, and intimacy than anything we’ve created before.”
For those eager to discover more from The Game Awards 2025, you can check out a comprehensive list of announcements and winners. And if you’re curious about the expansive universe of Divinity, a helpful explainer is available.