Key Takeaways
1. Larian Studios is facing controversy over CEO Swen Vincke’s support for using generative AI in game development, which has drawn criticism from former employees.
2. Vincke claims that AI tools are being used for tasks like idea generation and concept art, but assures that no AI-generated content will be included in the final game.
3. Former employees have publicly disagreed with Vincke, expressing concerns about the company’s direction and the impact of AI on creative work.
4. In response to criticism, Vincke emphasized that the studio relies on a dedicated team of artists and that they are not replacing human creativity with AI.
5. The conversation around AI in gaming continues to spark debate, with some viewing it as a threat to originality and innovation in the industry.
Just a few days after the mysterious announcement of Divinity at the Game Awards 2025, Larian Studios, known for developing Baldur’s Gate 3, has found itself at the center of a major controversy. The studio’s CEO, Swen Vincke, voiced his confidence in the company’s use of generative AI, which quickly attracted criticism from an unexpected source: former employees. They argued that the company’s current stance contradicts their past experiences.
AI Tools in Use
In an interview with Bloomberg, Vincke shared that Larian has been trying out AI tools for various tasks like generating ideas, creating PowerPoint presentations, writing placeholder texts, and producing concept art. He acknowledged that there had been some internal dissent but mentioned, “At this point, I believe everyone in the company is more or less okay with the way we’re using it.” He did emphasize, however, that no AI-generated content will be included in the final version of Divinity, as all tasks from art to writing will be managed by human employees.
Mixed Reactions Online
Vincke’s statements did not sit well with many online, as fans and developers raised concerns over the integration of AI in creative processes. Anne Methot, a former QA tester who spent four years at Larian, expressed her lack of surprise regarding the news and accused Vincke of “lying about people being okay with it.” Another former artist from Larian, Selena Tobin, who contributed to Baldur’s Gate 3, added her thoughts:
“I loved working at Larian Studios until AI. Reassess and change your direction, like, yesterday. Show some respect to your employees. They are world-class and don’t need AI help to generate brilliant ideas.”
Vincke’s Response to Criticism
Feeling the backlash online, Vincke took to X to defend his studio’s practices, stating:
“Holy fk guys, we’re not ‘pushing hard’ for or replacing concept artists with AI. We have a team of 72 artists, including 23 concept artists, and we’re hiring more. The art they produce is original, and I’m very proud of their work.”
To address the rising tensions in an industry already facing challenges due to AI-related layoffs, Vincke organized an AMA after the holidays, where representatives from different departments answered questions regarding the development of Divinity. He remarked, “Our processes are always evolving, and if they are not effective or don’t reflect who we are, we will adapt.”
In light of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s producer confirming AI usage, any statements from Larian, the studio behind the 2023 TGA GOTY winner, Baldur’s Gate 3, were bound to spark debate among players and industry experts. Some view AI-generated content as ‘bland’ or ‘soulless,’ while others point out the potential hazards of stagnation in an industry where AI can only remix existing content, inhibiting both innovation and major advancements in future titles.
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