Larian Studios: Controversy Over AI Use in Development

There are some topics that are particularly unpalatable to gamers, such as games that integrate blockchain technology, or the use of generative artificial intelligence during development. If a studio shows openness regarding these topics, then it must prepare for a negative reaction: there's no escaping it, not even if that studio is called Larian and has signed a cult title like Baldur's Gate 3.

Sven Vincke Clarifies AI Use

Just yesterday we reported on an interview with Sven Vincke, who spoke about Larian Studios' next work, Divinity. Among the various topics touched upon in the interview was the use of artificial intelligence in development, a passage we didn't report because it wasn't particularly relevant… at least until it reached the sensitive ears of a certain part of the gaming community.

Criticism erupted online, with more or less veiled accusations that Larian wanted to replace flesh-and-blood artists with AI. If you know Sven Vincke a little, then you know he's not one to mince words: with a colorful message, the head of Larian declared that his studio employs a full 72 artists, 23 of whom are concept artists, with the intention of hiring more.

These artists use generative AI to obtain references, not unlike how they do when searching the internet or browsing a book. AI therefore has a merely "consultative" function; Larian's concept art is created by humans. Vincke's message concludes with an emblematic phrase: (artists) can experiment with these tools to make their lives easier.

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.

I was asked explicitly about concept art…

— Swen Vincke @where? (@LarAtLarian) December 16, 2025