Larian Bets Heavily on Generative AI for Divinity

Key Takeaways

Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark

  • Larian Studios is utilizing AI to support brainstorming and content creation during the early stages of Divinitys development, but all final content will remain human-created.
  • The new game system for Divinity has been developed specifically for video games and departs from the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) system used in previous Larian projects like Baldurs Gate 3.
  • Larian Studios adoption of AI during development has sparked controversy within the gaming community, with some developers criticizing its use.
  • Larian Studios, now a larger studio with over 350 employees across multiple continents, aims to further enhance the quality of Divinity following the success of Baldurs Gate 3.

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AI Assists Larian’s Brainstorming in Divinity Development – Human-Crafted Content Remains Preeminent

Larian Studios is investing in generative AI to assist with content creation during the early stages of their upcoming turn-based RPG, Divinity. However, CEO Swen Vincke admitted in a December 16, 2025, Bloomberg interview that the technology isn’t projected to substantially increase efficiency. Vincke explained that Larian uses generative AI to support brainstorming, create PowerPoint presentations, and draft temporary text. While AI tools are leveraged for exploring initial concepts and references, all final content in Divinity—including writing and performances—will be human-created. Specifically, AI-generated references are later replaced with original concept art. Vincke addressed concerns that AI might replace artists, clarifying that Larian uses the technology to explore references before creating unique, human-made artwork. This limited use of AI for tasks like generating concept art and placeholder text has nonetheless sparked controversy within the gaming community. Some game developers, including former Larian employees, have criticized Larian’s adoption of AI during development. Vincke acknowledged initial internal resistance to generative AI but stated that most employees are now comfortable with their approach.

New Game System Unveiled for Divinity by Larian Studios – Traditional Meets Innovative Approach

The success of Baldur’s Gate 3 has provided Larian—now a larger studio of 350 employees across Europe, North America, and Asia—with the financial stability to meticulously prepare for future projects and further enhance the quality of Divinity. As part of this process, Vincke revealed that Divinity will feature a new game system built specifically for video games, rather than relying on the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) system. Larian Studios’ measured approach contrasts sharply with Elon Musk’s stated intention to release a game developed primarily by AI in 2026, a prospect Larian has publicly challenged.

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Lastly, if you’re eager to see more RPG innovation from the minds behind Divinity and Baldur’s Gate 3, don’t miss Carlos Mendoza’s latest article ‘Larian Promises to Reinvent RPGs with New Divinity’. Published on December 16th, this piece delves into Swen Vincke’s plans for an ‘endless rope’ of turn-based gameplay, revamped graphics, and cinematic storytelling. Check it out here: (https://playersforlife.com/2025/12/16/larian-promises-to-reinvent-rpgs-with-new-divinity/) to witness the future of RPGs.”


They also talk about it

Links to external sources for further reading

    ::https://gamerant.com/divinity-generative-ai-development-larian/|SEP|Larian is using generative AI, confirms CEO, but Divinity won’t contain anything AI-generated::https://www.eurogamer.net/larian-is-using-generative-ai-confirms-ceo-but-divinity-wont-contain-anything-ai-generated|SEP|AI is “something we are constantly discussing internally through the lens of making everyone’s working day better, not worse.”::https://www.ign.com/articles/larian-ceo-responds-to-divinity-gen-ai-backlash-we-are-neither-releasing-a-game-with-any-ai-components-nor-are-we-looking-at-trimming-down-teams-to-replace-them-with-ai|SEP|BG3 studio Larian says it’s using genAI for Divinity, but not ‘looking at trimming down teams to replace them’::https://www.polygon.com/divinity-larian-studios-generative-ai-swen-vincke/”]

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