In response to backlash over Larian Studios' generative AI use in Divinity development, CEO Swen Vincke issued a direct social media statement emphasizing AI's limited role in early ideation, the studio's artist workforce, and commitment to human-created final content.
Vincke's Direct Response
Following the initial controversy sparked by Larian's Bloomberg interview on AI for early concept exploration and placeholders, CEO Swen Vincke addressed critics directly on social media: "Holy fuck guys we're not 'pushing hard' for or replacing concept artists with AI."
Speaking to IGN, Vincke highlighted the studio's 72 artists, including 23 concept artists, with plans to hire more. "These artists are creating concept art day in day out for ideation and production use," he said. He compared AI to tools like Google or art books for rough composition references, always replaced by original human work. "The artists do that. And they are indeed world class artists."
Vincke stressed hires are talent-based, not AI-influenced, and AI eases workflows without replacing skills.
Studio Commitments and Future Outlook
Larian is expanding teams in writing, storytelling, and translation to boost production. No games, including the upcoming turn-based RPG Divinity (announced at The Game Awards), will ship with AI-generated elements or result in staff cuts. This aligns with Vincke's prior assurances that AI is purely additive amid industry debates.
