The announcement of the new Divinity game at The Game Awards 2025 by Larian Studios sparked unexpected controversy. While excitement initially surrounded the reveal, the focus quickly shifted to criticism following CEO Swen Vincke’s admission of experimenting with GenAI tools in the game’s development. This disclosure led to significant backlash from a segment of players and industry professionals who oppose the use of artificial intelligence in creative processes.
Industry Reaction and Defense
Vincke’s comments were met with a wave of disapproval, not only from players but also from game developers vocal about their concerns. Allegations of poor hiring practices at Larian were also brought into the discussion. In contrast, some industry figures like Warhorse Studios’ Daniel Vávra defended Larian’s approach, although these voices were a minority. Despite the defense, critics demanded a complete renouncement of GenAI tools by Larian.
In response to the backlash, Vincke clarified that no GenAI art would be used in Divinity’s final product, aiming to dispel confusion about their use of AI. He assured that concept art would be created without AI intervention, a decision made to maintain transparency regarding the artwork’s origins. However, the studio remains open to using GenAI in other aspects to enhance development efficiency.
Clarifications and Future Intentions
During a Reddit AMA, Vincke reiterated that while the studio would avoid GenAI for concept art, it would still explore AI’s potential to expedite certain processes. The focus remains on improving development speed and quality without compromising on the integrity of creative assets. Adam Smith, Larian’s writing director, emphasized that generative AI won’t influence the game’s writing, as the quality and craftsmanship of text require extensive iteration beyond what AI can currently provide.
Although Larian’s stance may not fully appease its critics, it’s evident that they are reconsidering their use of GenAI tools. As the debate continues, the role of AI in game development remains a hotly contested issue across the industry.