Larian Studios, the acclaimed developer behind the monumental success of Baldur’s Gate 3, has definitively stated it will not employ generative AI for concept art in its highly anticipated Divinity RPG. This clarification, delivered by CEO Swen Vincke during a Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA) session, seeks to dispel prior misunderstandings and underscore the studio’s dedication to artistic authenticity.
The announcement follows a period of significant discussion within the gaming community regarding Larian’s potential use of AI tools. Vincke’s previous remarks to Bloomberg had suggested an exploration of AI in Divinity’s development, inadvertently leading to a backlash, particularly over concerns about concept art generation. The studio quickly moved to clarify, asserting AI would not replace human artists.
This latest statement, reported by GamesIndustry.biz on January 9, 2026, solidifies Larian’s position. Vincke explicitly stated there would be no generative AI art in Divinity to ensure players have no doubt about the art’s origins. This move reflects a broader industry conversation about the ethical implications and creative integrity associated with AI technologies in artistic production.
The evolving debate on generative AI in game development
The decision by Larian Studios highlights the ongoing tension and debate surrounding the integration of generative AI within the creative industries, especially in gaming. While AI promises efficiency, concerns about intellectual property, artist livelihoods, and the very definition of ‘original art’ remain prominent. Many developers are cautiously approaching these tools, weighing potential benefits against ethical responsibilities and community perception.
Recent surveys indicate a split within the game development community regarding AI adoption, with some studios eager to leverage its capabilities for prototyping and asset generation, while others express strong reservations about its use in core creative processes. The clarity from Larian is a direct response to player feedback and a proactive step to maintain trust in its creative output, particularly given the passionate fanbase of the Divinity franchise and the success of Baldur’s Gate 3, which has sold over 20 million copies.
Larian’s strategic approach: AI for efficiency, not art generation
Despite the firm stance against generative AI in concept art, Larian Studios does not dismiss the technology entirely. Vincke confirmed the company still plans to utilize generative AI internally, focusing on its potential to accelerate development cycles and refine ideas. This strategic application aims to enhance efficiency across various departments, leading to a more streamlined and focused development process.
The goal is to increase the number of iterations possible, thereby improving overall gameplay quality without compromising artistic integrity. Furthermore, Vincke emphasized that any generative AI model used to create “creative assets” for Divinity would be trained exclusively on Larian’s own internal data. This ensures full control over the training data’s origins and the consent of its creators, mitigating concerns about unlicensed content and maintaining proprietary ownership.
Larian Studios’ approach demonstrates a nuanced understanding of AI’s role: a powerful tool for process optimization rather than a replacement for human creativity in foundational artistic endeavors. As the gaming industry continues to explore AI, Larian’s policy sets a precedent for transparency and ethical considerations in an increasingly automated landscape, balancing innovation with the core values of artistic originality that define its beloved franchises.
