After several days of criticism from fans and other game developers over the studio’s employ of generative AI, Baldur’s Gate 3 CEO and Divinity developer Larian Studios, Swen Vincke, announced an AMA (Ask Me Anything, usually on Reddit) in the novel year, inviting people to ask members of Larian’s various departments “any questions you have directly about Divinity and our development process.”
In a post on Twitter/X, Vincke said that “a lot has been lost in translation” since the studio’s next game, Divinity, was announced at The Game Awards last week. He continued by saying that “Larian’s DNA is agency” and stated that it would be irresponsible for the studio not to “evaluate new technologies,” possibly referring to the discussion about generative AI that sparked controversy. However, he appears to have backed down on that idea somewhat, adding that “our processes are constantly evolving and where they are not effective or do not match our identity, we will make changes.”
Vincke’s full statement is below:
It’s been a week since we announced Divinity, our next RPG, and a lot has been lost in translation.
Larian’s DNA is agency. Everything we work on is for the benefit of our teams, games and players. A better day at work and a better game. Our success comes from empowering people to work their own way and bring out the best in their skills and crafts, so we can make the best RPGs we can.
In this context, it would be irresponsible not to evaluate novel technologies. However, our processes are constantly evolving and where they are not effective or do not match our identity, we will make changes.
To give you more insight, we will be hosting an AMA with our various departments after the holiday break where you will have the opportunity to ask us directly any questions you may have about Divinity and our development process.
We will announce the date in the novel year. In the meantime, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!
Vincke’s statement comes in response to criticism of his own remarks in interviews following the announcement of the novel Divinity last week. In Interview with BloombergVincke admitted that Larian is promoting generative AI internally, even though it has not led to an enhance in performance or speed. Examples provided included using this technology for brainstorming, PowerPoint presentations, presenting concept art, and writing placeholder text.
In response, many players on various social media platforms, as well as game developers and even former Larian employees, criticized the studio, arguing that the listed uses of generative AI in Larian either seem to be things that do not employ generative AI at all (such as placeholder text), or alternatively are key parts of the artistic process and will suffer from the lack of humans at the helm (concept art).
Vincke then responded with multiple statements, one of which has been forwarded to us another posted on Twitter/Xin which he stated that critics do not understand what Larian is doing and that “We are not releasing the game with any AI components nor do we intend to limit teams to replace them with AI.”
We also did our own interview with Vincke on Divinity, which you can read in full here.
Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. Have a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.
