Tag: Larian Studios

  • Baldur’s Gate 3 Forerunners Bundle: $10 Steam Deal vs $60

    Baldur’s Gate 3 Forerunners Bundle: $10 Steam Deal vs $60

    Key Takeaway

    – Divinity: Original Sin and its sequel show a high degree of player freedom, deep storytelling, and tactical, turn-based combat with environmental interactions.
    – The Source Saga bundle offers strong value (82% off) and is cheaper than the second game alone; first game is often available around $4.
    – Both games have strong Steam ratings (OS 86%, OS2 94%) and are Steam Deck Verified, but they can be demanding and may require patience to learn mechanics.

    Overview

    Divinity: Original Sin is an old-school role-playing game with plenty of player freedom, a surprisingly deep story and tactical combat. Anyone who immediately thinks of Baldur’s Gate 3 is on the right track. Divinity also comes from Larian Studios and practically paved the way for Baldur’s Gate 3. Without the success of the Divinity RPGs, the studio might never have secured the rights to the Dungeons & Dragons license. Anyone who has not yet played Divinity: Original Sin and its sequel currently has a good opportunity to catch up on Steam.

    Current Bundle Deal

    The Source Saga bundle includes Divinity: Original Sin (normally $40) and Divinity: Original Sin 2 (normally $45) and is currently 82% off, costing $10.66 instead of $59.48. According to SteamDB, this matches the bundle’s previous all-time low, which it has only reached rarely – most recently in December 2025. Most other sales only offer an 80% discount. Remarkably, the bundle is even cheaper than Divinity: Original Sin 2 on its own, which currently costs $11.24 with a 75% discount. The first game, meanwhile, is available separately for around $4 thanks to a 90% discount.

    Gameplay and Setting

    The Divinity games send players into the fantasy world of Rivellon, a land full of magic and unusual creatures. The gameplay is defined above all by a high degree of freedom. Players explore the world from an isometric top-down perspective, fight undead and demons, and experience an expansive story about gods, magic and political conflict. One of the games’ core features is that they offer several ways to solve quests and overcome problems creatively. Alongside positioning and team synergies, the turn-based combat system also relies on environmental effects such as fire, poison, water and electricity.

    Story and Roles

    In the first game, players take on the role of two human Source Hunters investigating a mysterious murder case. Classes exist, but mainly serve as flexible starting templates for skills and equipment. Divinity: Original Sin 2 introduces several playable races for the first time, including humans, elves, dwarves, lizard-like humanoids and the undead, each with their own special traits. The sequel puts players in the role of so-called Sourcerers, who are persecuted because of their dangerous magic.

    Reception and Platform Notes

    Both games enjoy excellent ratings on Steam. While Divinity: Original Sin has 86% positive Steam reviews, Divinity: Original Sin 2 reaches an even stronger 94%. It should be noted that the games are quite demanding, especially because they do not always explain all of their mechanics. Players willing to take on the challenge can expect an RPG experience with plenty of depth – optionally also on handhelds. Both games are “Verified” on the Steam Deck.


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  • Larian Studios Responds to Fan Backlash on AI Use in Divinity

    Larian Studios Responds to Fan Backlash on AI Use in Divinity

    Key Takeaways

    1. Larian Studios has decided to stop using generative AI in the concept art phase for Divinity after receiving backlash from gamers.
    2. CEO Swen Vincke emphasized that the studio’s talented team of artists will create all final artwork, with no AI-generated content included.
    3. While discontinuing AI use in concept art, Larian is still exploring how AI can improve other development processes for faster iterations and enhanced gameplay.
    4. The studio ensures that any use of generative AI for in-game assets will only be based on data they own and after obtaining consent from creators.
    5. Writing director Adam Smith confirmed that no generative AI has been used for text creation in Divinity, with prior tests scoring poorly.

    After significant pushback, Larian Studios, the team behind Baldur’s Gate 3 and the upcoming game Divinity, has changed its position on the use of generative AI in Divinity. However, the studio continues to believe that AI could assist in improving different parts of the development process to create a top-notch experience.

    Controversy Unfolds

    The issue began when Larian announced Divinity at The Game Awards 2025 after a mysterious teaser. To mark this event, Swen Vincke, the CEO of Larian, had a chat with Bloomberg, stating that the studio was experimenting with generative AI for tasks like concept art, presentations, and placeholder text. He emphasized that no AI-generated content would appear in the final product.

    Online Reactions

    Gamers expressed strong discontent with Vincke’s remarks, leading to a heated response from him. He stated:

    “Holy fk, guys, we’re not trying to replace concept artists with AI. We have a talented team of 72 artists, including 23 concept artists, and we’re looking to hire more. Their art is original, and I’m truly proud of their work.”

    To address the growing backlash, Vincke engaged in a Reddit AMA where he confronted gamers’ concerns directly. In his initial remarks, he clarified:

    “First off, there won’t be any GenAI art in Divinity. There’s been a lot of chatter about our use of AI tools for concept art exploration. We’ve already said that AI is not producing the actual concept art, but we see how this caused some confusion.”

    Clarifying Future Use of AI

    To eliminate any uncertainties, the studio has decided to stop using GenAI tools in the concept art phase. This way, there will be no debate over the artwork’s source.

    While Vincke confirmed the studio’s decision to discontinue GenAI in concept art, he highlighted that Larian is not abandoning AI altogether. He explained:

    “Even so, we are constantly looking for ways to improve how quickly we can experiment. More iterations can lead to a better overall gameplay experience. We believe GenAI can assist with this, so we’re testing it in various departments. Our hope is that it will help us refine concepts faster, resulting in a more streamlined development cycle, less waste, and ultimately a better game.”

    The important takeaway is that Larian will not create ‘creative assets’ for the game without being completely certain about the origins of the training data and obtaining consent from the creators. If a GenAI model is used for in-game assets, it will be based on data that we own.

    Director’s Insights

    In the same AMA thread, writing director Adam Smith elaborated on Larian’s attempts to use GenAI for text creation. He assured that Larian “hasn’t used any text generation for our dialogues, journal entries, or other writing in Divinity.” He mentioned that a small test was conducted, which resulted in a score of “3/10” at best.

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  • Baldur’s Gate 3 Switch 2 Port Delayed Amid Larian and WotC Drama

    Baldur’s Gate 3 Switch 2 Port Delayed Amid Larian and WotC Drama

    Key Takeaways

    1. Larian Studios is not planning any downloadable content (DLC) or a sequel for Baldur’s Gate 3 after its success.
    2. The company has ended its partnership with Wizards of the Coast, affecting the chances of a Baldur’s Gate 3 port to the Switch 2.
    3. Larian’s CEO, Swen Vincke, expressed disappointment about not being able to create a Switch 2 version during a Reddit Q&A.
    4. Developers at Larian have shifted their focus to new projects, especially the Divinity series, instead of creating more content for Baldur’s Gate 3.
    5. Corporate tensions exist between Larian and Wizards of the Coast, with recent layoffs at Hasbro contributing to the strained relationship.

    Despite the huge success of Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian Studios isn’t planning any downloadable content (DLC) or a follow-up game. The company has ended its partnership with Wizards of the Coast, who own the Dungeons & Dragons brand. This also makes it less likely for Baldur’s Gate 3 to be ported to the Switch 2, as confirmed by Larian’s CEO, Swen Vincke. However, a recent leak suggests that the split wasn’t as friendly as Vincke had indicated.

    Reddit Q&A Insights

    During a Reddit Q&A, Vincke discussed generative AI and shared some disappointing news for Nintendo enthusiasts. He mentioned that while they would have loved to create a game for the Switch 2, it wasn’t a decision they could make. His comments left fans feeling a bit let down.

    After the Q&A, a leaker known as NateTheHate2 explained why a Switch 2 version of Baldur’s Gate 3 is unlikely to happen. He claimed that the relationship between Larian and Hasbro/Wizards of the Coast is not in a good state. He went on to say, “I’ve heard numerous reasons, but they all point back to the fact that Larian and Hasbro/WotC are not on good terms right now.”

    Focus on New Projects

    Vincke had previously mentioned that the developers have lost their enthusiasm for creating additional content for Baldur’s Gate 3 or any new D&D-related games. Instead, they are focusing their efforts on new projects, particularly on the Divinity series. It seems that they would have preferred to bring Baldur’s Gate 3 to the Nintendo console before shifting their focus.

    Many fans believe there’s more behind the scenes, especially with the potential for increased profits. Some have noted a DMCA takedown by Wizards of the Coast of a Stardew Valley mod featuring characters from Baldur’s Gate 3, a move that Vincke had previously endorsed.

    Corporate Changes and Tensions

    In 2023, Hasbro, the parent company of Wizards of the Coast, laid off many employees, some of whom played significant roles in building the partnership with Larian Studios. Even though there may be some underlying issues, both companies have stated that there’s no animosity between them.

    NateTheHate2 suggests that both parties prefer to keep any disagreements private. Nonetheless, even if the specifications for the Switch 2 could support Baldur’s Gate 3, the chances for a port now appear quite bleak.

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  • Larian CEO Swen Vincke Defends Generative AI in Divinity Game

    Larian CEO Swen Vincke Defends Generative AI in Divinity Game

    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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  • Trademarks Reveal Game Awards Statue for New Divinity Game

    Trademarks Reveal Game Awards Statue for New Divinity Game

    Key Takeaways

    1. Geoff Keighley’s hint about a demonic statue has sparked theories regarding a new game in the Divinity series.
    2. Three trademark filings related to “Divinity” have been discovered, showcasing logos and artwork connected to the franchise.
    3. There are expectations for an official announcement from Larian Studios during The Game Awards on December 8th.
    4. A PEGI rating for Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition suggests potential upcoming releases for PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
    5. The Divinity series remains popular, especially after the success of Baldur’s Gate 3, with fans appreciating its tactical gameplay.

    Ever since Geoff Keighley hinted at a mysterious demonic statue, gamers have been buzzing with theories about what it could mean. Many insiders have shot down popular speculations about a possible expansion for Diablo 4 or even a new God of War installment. Recent evidence, however, strongly suggests that this artwork could actually herald a new game in the Divinity series. MP1st has uncovered several new trademarks that are likely related to the upcoming Larian Studios title.

    Exciting Trademarks Discovered

    Three trademark filings from Europe showcase a logo and art that fans of the CRPG genre will recognize. Each document is labeled “Divinity” and is associated with the same applicant. When one graphic is placed over the enigmatic statue, the similarities become hard to miss. While there are slight variations in the designs compared to previously released games, the essence remains.

    Awaiting Official Announcements

    Some skeptics are choosing to hold their breath until the announcements during The Game Awards wrap up. Nonetheless, there are other indicators that Larian Studios is gearing up to reveal a new Divinity installment. On December 8th, a leaker known as eXtas1s shared an image from the series, though he didn’t offer any context. His track record for accurate predictions has been hit or miss, however.

    Consoles Get More Divinity Action

    With the possibility of Divinity 3 on the horizon, Larian seems to be looking out for console players as well. In 2024, a PEGI rating for Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition popped up for PlayStation and Xbox. Additionally, the dataminer PlayStation Game Size has recently found signs of this title appearing on the PSN service. Such activity usually signals that news about a release could be coming soon.

    The Game Awards is set to feature several big franchises, like Tomb Raider, which could take up a lot of time. Still, Larian Studios might ease the anticipation for a new CRPG by reintroducing older games to fresh audiences. Although the PS4 and Xbox versions of Original Sin 2 are already out, they weren’t optimized for the newest consoles.

    Divinity’s Legacy

    Given the success of Baldur’s Gate 3, it can be easy to forget how well-loved the Divinity series is. Notably, Divinity: Original Sin II released in 2017 sold over 7 million copies and received widespread acclaim. Some gamers prefer the tactical freedom that Divinity provides compared to the stricter rules of Dungeons & Dragons found in BG. After several spin-offs were scrapped, it looks like the developers may have finally cracked the code for a successful sequel.

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