Larian CEO defends Divinity generative AI usage following backlash

Larian Studios CEO Swen Vincke has clarified the studio's position on generative AI following online outcry over the company's use of the technology in game development.

The details:

• Earlier this week, Vincke revealed in an interview with Bloomberg that Larian is using generative AI "to explore ideas, flesh out PowerPoint presentations, develop concept art, and write placeholder text," but stressed that no AI-generated content will appear in the final release of its upcoming title, Divinity.
• Unsurprisingly, the statement sparked criticism from players and former developers on social media, with many retracting their support for the Baldur’s Gate 3 developer. The backlash has now prompted the CEO to issue a follow-up clarification on X explaining that the company is still growing its art team and that it uses AI “to explore references, just like we use Google and art books.”

• In another statement to IGN, Vincke made it clear that Larian is “neither releasing a game with any AI components, nor are we looking at trimming down teams to replace them with AI," and emphasized that the company's approach to AI is designed to make working more efficient and enjoyable for developers, not more difficult and worrisome.