When rumors swirl about how AI impacts game development, studios like Larian often face the brunt of player anxiety. The controversy around AI in 2025 has been intense, especially with Larian’s announcement of their next RPG, Divinity. What really matters to fans right now is understanding if AI is replacing the human creativity they cherish, or if it’s being used responsibly behind the scenes.
Larian’s CEO Swen Vincke tackled the biggest concern head-on, dispelling the notion that the studio is “pushing hard” to replace concept artists with generative AI. He made it clear that their sizable art department—72 artists including 23 concept artists—is expanding, not shrinking. The original artworks players see in the game come from these human creators, not AI models.
Swen Vincke tweeted:
“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.”
The confusion emerged around what “using Gen AI” means in practice. Vincke explained the studio’s AI tools serve as early-stage aides—helping generate visual references and rough ideas akin to mood boards and composition sketches. These AI drafts never become final concept art; instead, human artists develop all the original designs that make it into the game.
Vincke also highlighted a broader use of machine learning for mundane tasks nobody wants to do, rather than creative replacement. The distinction is crucial since many industry debates revolve around ethical concerns like consent, data training, job security, and whether AI shortcuts risk becoming permanent crutches.
In a follow-up message, Vincke acknowledged much nuance was lost in translation since Divinity’s reveal. Shifting from defense to reassurance, he emphasized Larian’s core values of player agency and empowering creators. He stressed the studio remains open to adjusting their processes if new technologies don’t align with these values.
Vincke remarked:
“It’s been a week since we announced Divinity, our next RPG, and a lot has become lost in translation. Larian’s DNA is agency. Everything we work towards is to the benefit of our teams, games, and players. A better work day, and a better game. Our successes come from empowering…”
To add clarity and openness, Larian plans a post-holiday AMA featuring various departments to address questions directly about Divinity and its development. This move aims to cut through speculation and give players a transparent view of how AI is really being integrated.
Whether this will quell skepticism remains to be seen. For many in the gaming community, AI isn’t just a tech issue but a matter of trust and creative integrity. For now, though, Larian’s message is clear: human artists are still the driving force behind Divinity’s distinctive art, with AI carefully confined to early-stage support and inspiration.