Larian Studios CEO Addresses Controversy Surrounding AI Usage in Divinity Development

Larian Studios CEO Swen Vincke is facing criticism following the studio’s disclosure of incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) tools into its development processes for titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 and the upcoming Divinity. A recent Bloomberg article from December 16 elaborates on this initiative.

According to the report, while Vincke encourages experimentation with generative AI, he emphasized that it has not resulted in significant efficiency improvements. He assured fans that Divinity will have no AI-generated content, affirming that all narrative and character performances originate from human creators.

In Larian’s approach, AI acts as an ancillary tool rather than a replacement for creative professionals. The studio utilizes it for various functions, including brainstorming sessions, creating presentations, conceptualizing art, and producing temporary text.

Initial skepticism was met internally regarding AI’s implementation, but Vincke noted that acceptance has grown, with most of the team now at ease with the technology’s applications.

Despite this clarification, the gaming community has reacted strongly. A notable tweet criticized Larian for seeming to replace concept artists with AI-generated solutions.

so fun that larian spoke recently on not using AI for “minor lines” because it risks putting budding VA’s out of a job, and yet now they’re happily announcing how they’re putting concept artists out of a job instead https://t.co/CK4ZBG1abd

— ducky (@citadrells) December 16, 2025

Another social media user sharply labeled the upcoming Divinity game as “AI slop, ” further amplifying the backlash.

Larian’s Stance on AI and Artist Replacement

In response, Vincke has taken a proactive stance, challenging the narrative of replacing artists with AI. He referenced a GameSpot article from earlier in 2025 to provide context on AI’s use within the studio.

“Holy f**k guys we’re not ‘pushing hard’ for or replacing concept artists with AI, ” he declared emphatically.“Our team comprises 72 artists, including 23 dedicated concept artists, and we are actively expanding this group. I take immense pride in the original artwork they produce.”

Holy fuck guys we’re not “pushing hard”for or replacing concept artists with AI. We have a team of 72 artists of which 23 are concept artists and we are hiring more. The art they create is original and I’m very proud of what they do. I was asked explicitly about concept art…

— Swen Vincke @where? (@LarAtLarian) December 16, 2025

Vincke elaborated that AI assists only during the brainstorming stages, serving as a compositional reference, which is eventually overshadowed by human-created concepts.

He stated, “There’s no comparison. We hire artists for their unique talents, not for their ability to replicate machine-generated suggestions. Instead, these tools aid them in streamlining their creative processes.”

Reflecting on previous statements from April, Vincke reiterated Larian’s endorsement of machine learning to handle repetitive development tasks that are generally undesirable. He underscored the importance of human involvement, asserting, “It’s ultimately our creative team that will drive innovation and quality excellence.”

Despite the ongoing debate surrounding the use of AI in creative processes, Larian remains committed to delivering exceptional content for Divinity, promising enhancements that will surpass what fans experienced in Baldur’s Gate 3.

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