Larian Studios to host fan Q&A on development processes after AI criticism

Larian Studios has announced plans to hold a fan question-and-answer session in the new year following criticism over the studio’s comments on the use of generative AI in its development processes.

The announcement was made by Larian chief executive Swen Vincke after several days of backlash from players and fellow developers, which followed the reveal of the studio’s next role-playing game, Divinity, at The Game Awards. In a post on Twitter/X, Vincke said that “a lot has become lost in translation” since the announcement.

Vincke stated that “Larian’s DNA is agency,” adding that the studio’s focus is on benefiting its teams, games and players. He said that Larian’s goal is “a better work day, and a better game,” and that its successes come from empowering staff to work in their own way. He also said it would be irresponsible not to “evaluate new technologies,” while stressing that development processes are continually reviewed.

“Our processes are always evolving, and where they are not efficient or fail to align with who we are, we will make changes,” Vincke wrote. He added that the studio would host an AMA after the holiday break, featuring staff from different departments, giving fans the opportunity to ask questions about Divinity and Larian’s development process. The date is set to be announced in the new year.

The comments follow Vincke’s earlier remarks in interviews, including one in which he said Larian had experimented with generative AI internally. Examples cited included brainstorming, PowerPoint presentations, pitching concept art and writing placeholder text, though he acknowledged this had not led to efficiency or speed gains.

Those comments prompted criticism across social media from players, developers and former Larian employees, who questioned whether such uses benefited development or risked undermining creative roles. Vincke later responded, stating, “We are neither releasing a game with any AI components, nor are we looking at trimming down teams to replace them with AI.”