Key Takeaways
Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark
- Larian Studios clarified their use of artificial intelligence in game development, assuring fans that no AI-generated content will be included in Divinity and emphasizing the role of human artists within the team.
- There is ongoing debate about the use of AI in the creative industry, with some arguing its detrimental while others defend its use as a tool to enhance creativity.
- Microsoft plans to update Steam to a 64-bit client for Windows in December 2025 and will discontinue production of the LCD Steam Deck. Thousands of gamers are switching to Bazzite from Windows due to dissatisfaction with the operating system.
- Predictions for future AI trends include advanced development costing hundreds of billions, potential slowdown in Microsoft Copilots momentum heading into 2026, and Firefox entering the AI browser market with a privacy-focused option. These developments highlight the ongoing discussions and changes within the gaming and tech industries as companies navigate the integration of new technologies like AI.
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Larian Studios Clarifies AI Use in Game Development After Concerns Arise Over Divinity and Beyond
Larian Studios CEO Swen Vincke addressed community concerns regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the company’s creative processes, following an interview where he discussed the role of generative AI in the development of Divinity. According to journalist Jason Schreier, Vincke stated that while Larian is exploring generative AI, some employees have expressed concerns. Vincke assured fans that Divinity will not include any AI-generated content and that the team is comfortable with their current use of the technology. These statements prompted numerous requests for Larian to abandon AI in game development, leading Vincke to clarify the situation on X. “We’re not forcing nor replacing conceptual artists with AI,” Vincke stated, explaining that AI is used for exploratory purposes, not for developing conceptual art. He emphasized that their 23 concept artists are creating original art, supported by a larger team of 72 artists, and that Larian is actively hiring more artists.
Larian Studios Defends AI Use in Game Development Amid Controversy and Plans AMA Session on Divinity Approach
Despite Vincke’s assurances, some users continued to express concern, arguing that even using AI for reference searches is detrimental to the creative industry. One user, rj Palmer, stated, “The entire history of the creative industry happened just fine without the use of AI; there’s no need to shoot oneself in the foot by using it now.” However, others defended Larian, noting that using AI as a tool is common practice in tech companies. Larian producer Michael Douse explained that artists can use AI prompts to articulate complex ideas more effectively than through traditional search methods. When questioned about previous criticisms of AI in gaming, Douse responded that the technology could improve people’s quality of life. To further clarify Larian’s development processes, Vincke announced plans to host an “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) session in the new year to answer questions about Divinity and the studio’s approach to game development. In other gaming and tech news: Platform Updates: Microsoft will update Steam to a fully 64-bit client for Windows in December 2025, and Valve is discontinuing production of the LCD Steam Deck. Operating System Preferences: Thousands of gamers are switching to Bazzite from Windows, citing dissatisfaction with the operating system.
AI Integration and its Impact on Gaming and Tech Industries in 2026 and Beyond
Game Releases and Development: Battlefield 6 is slated for a successful launch, with developers teasing Season 2 and content planned for 2026. Obsidian Entertainment is committed to human-crafted RPGs, while Krafton is embracing AI, and Palworld is resisting it. Dispatch’s creative director stressed the importance of human design in game development. A former star of Xbox’s canceled Perfect Dark reboot shared her experiences. Blizzard’s Future: Blizzard aims for more consistent yearly releases in the new Xbox era, and Todd Howard hinted that an iconic Fallout actor might appear in Season 2 of the TV show. AI Trends: Firefox is entering the AI browser market with a privacy-focused “off switch.” Microsoft released a selective year-end recap instead of a comprehensive “Wrapped,” leading to predictions that future AI technologies may become prohibitively expensive for most companies. Microsoft Copilot’s momentum may slow heading into 2026, and Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, cautioned that advanced AI development could cost hundreds of billions in the future. [Several images with descriptive captions accompanied the original post.] These developments reflect the ongoing discussions and changes within the gaming and tech industries as companies navigate the integration of new technologies like AI.
In Case You Missed It
In the dynamic world of gaming, December 2025 brought a wave of exciting news and controversies. First off, Clair Obscur Expedition 33 found itself in hot water when it was disqualified from the Indie Game Awards for using generative AI in its development process. Carlos Mendoza’s insightful article, “Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Disqualified for Generative AI Usage”, explores this turn of events and its impact on awards, sparking debates around AI regulation and human labor in game creation Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Disqualified from Indie Game Awards for Generative AI Usage. Adding fuel to the fire, Clair Obscur was subsequently stripped of its Game of the Year and Best Debut awards due to this revelation. Ahmed Hassan’s post, “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Disqualified and Lost All Awards”, delves into this controversy and the implications of AI’s role in game creation on awards ceremonies Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Disqualified and Lost All Awards. Meanwhile, amidst these developments, Bruno Pferd’s article “After the Controversy: Excellent News for Post-Baldur’s Gate 3 Era” brings some excitement back to the gaming community. Published on December 22nd, it explores Belgian studio Larian Studios’ plans after BG3’s success, including insights into their new game engine and emergent narratives for an upcoming Divinity sequel with planned early access release After the Controversy: Excellent News for Post-Baldur’s Gate 3 Era.