Larian CEO Clarifies AI Use After Backlash

Larian CEO Swen Vincke is responding to growing concerns about artificial intelligence at the studio behind Baldur’s Gate 3. Questions surfaced after reports suggested Larian was using AI tools during development of its next game, Divinity. Many fans wanted to know whether AI would replace human creativity or lead to job cuts. Vincke says that is not happening. He emphasizes the studio is not shipping AI-generated content in its games. He also insists no teams are being reduced because of AI adoption. The clarification comes amid heightened industry anxiety over automation. Vincke’s message is clear: humans remain at the center of Larian’s work.

What Sparked the Larian AI Controversy

The discussion began after a Bloomberg interview highlighted Larian’s internal use of AI tools. The report noted AI-assisted concept art, presentation materials, and placeholder text during early development. While those details were meant to describe experimentation, they quickly raised alarms online. Some readers interpreted the comments as a sign that AI would replace artists or writers. Social media reactions intensified within hours of publication. The timing added fuel, as Larian had just teased Divinity at The Game Awards. With little gameplay shown, speculation filled the gap. Vincke soon stepped in to address the narrative directly.

No AI Content in Divinity, Says Larian CEO

According to Vincke, Divinity will not include AI-generated content of any kind. He states that all writing, performances, and final assets are created by people. Human writers handle the narrative, and human actors deliver performances. AI is not being used to generate dialogue, characters, or story beats. Instead, Vincke describes the tools as exploratory aids during brainstorming. He compares them to early sketching or draft materials that never ship. Efficiency gains, he adds, have been limited so far. That reality further reduces any incentive to replace creative roles.

AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement at Larian

Larian’s leadership frames AI as a support system rather than a substitute for talent. Vincke explains the tools help visualize ideas or test directions quickly. Concept art experiments can happen faster before artists refine the final look. Placeholder text allows teams to test pacing and structure during development. None of those elements appear in the finished game. The studio still relies on experienced developers for every core decision. Vincke says internal discussions helped teams feel comfortable with this approach. Transparency, he argues, matters more than hype. The studio wants control over how technology fits its values.

Employee Reactions Highlight Industry Tensions

Despite the clarification, not everyone is reassured. Former Larian developer Selena Tobin publicly criticized the studio’s embrace of AI tools. Her comments reflect a broader unease across the game industry. Many creatives worry that early experimentation can lead to deeper reliance later. Vincke acknowledges the discomfort but says internal dialogue has helped ease concerns. He claims most employees now understand how limited the AI use actually is. Still, the reaction shows how sensitive the topic has become. Developers increasingly expect clear boundaries around automation. Studios are being judged as much on ethics as output.

Why the Debate Matters Beyond Larian Studios

Larian’s situation mirrors a wider debate across gaming and entertainment. AI tools are spreading faster than shared standards for their use. Fans want assurances that games remain handcrafted experiences. Developers want job security and creative credit. Executives face pressure to innovate without alienating teams or audiences. Vincke’s response positions Larian as cautious rather than aggressive. By drawing firm lines, the studio aims to maintain trust. That trust helped Baldur’s Gate 3 succeed critically and commercially. Protecting it now is a strategic priority.

Larian CEO Reaffirms Human-First Game Development

Vincke’s final message is less about technology and more about philosophy. He says Larian is not cutting staff to make room for AI. The studio is also not quietly inserting AI-generated assets into its games. Everything players experience is shaped by people. AI remains behind the scenes, limited and experimental. In an era of rapid change, that stance sets Larian apart. The company is betting that creativity still drives great games. For now, Vincke wants fans focused on what’s coming next, not how rumors framed it. The studio’s future, he says, is still human-led.