### Larian Studios Reverses Course on Generative AI for Divinity Art Amid Fan Backlash In late 2025, Larian Studios, the developer behind the acclaimed game Baldur's Gate 3, faced significant backlash after revealing its initial plans to use generative AI for concept art in its upcoming title, Divinity. This decision sparked controversy among fans who expressed concerns over the implications of AI-generated art in gaming. In response to the uproar, Larian's CEO, Swen Vincke, announced a complete reversal of this policy, stating that the studio would no longer utilize generative AI for concept art, although it would continue to explore AI applications in other areas of development. This shift aims to reassure fans and maintain the integrity of the artistic process in game development [https://thetechbasic.com/2026/01/10/baldurs-gate-3-art-stays-human-as-larian-says-no-to-ai]. ### Breakdown of Larian's Policy Shift on Generative AI 1. **Initial Controversy**: - Larian Studios initially indicated that generative AI would be used in the development of Divinity, leading to fan outrage and concerns about the authenticity of the game's art [https://www.dexerto.com/gaming/larian-backs-down-on-using-ai-art-in-divinity-but-will-still-use-ai-in-development-3302749]. 2. **Public Response**: - During a Reddit AMA, Vincke clarified that the studio would refrain from using generative AI for concept art, addressing the confusion created by previous statements [https://www.pcgamesn.com/divinity/ama-gen-ai-tools-larian-studios]. 3. **Future Use of AI**: - While Larian will not use generative AI for concept art, Vincke mentioned that the studio would still experiment with AI technologies in other development areas to enhance efficiency and quality [https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/larian-ceo-swen-vincke-says-it-isnt-using-generative-ai-for-divinity-art-anymore-but-its-still-experimenting-with-it]. ### Supporting Evidence of the Policy Change - **Fan Reactions**: The backlash from fans was significant enough to prompt Larian's policy reversal, highlighting the community's strong preference for human-created art in gaming [https://www.glassalmanac.com/larian-backs-down-no-gen-ai-for-divinity-concept-art-after-fan-outrage]. - **CEO's Commitment**: Vincke's commitment to avoiding generative AI in concept art was made clear during the AMA, where he emphasized the importance of maintaining artistic integrity [https://www.theverge.com/games/859551/baldurs-gate-3-larian-studios-gen-ai-concept-art-reddit-ama]. - **Ongoing AI Exploration**: Despite the ban on generative AI for art, Larian's exploration of AI in other development aspects suggests a balanced approach to integrating technology while respecting artistic values [https://www.indy100.com/gaming/divinity-generative-ai-larian-studios]. ### Conclusion: Larian's Strategic Shift in AI Usage In summary, Larian Studios has made a significant policy shift regarding the use of generative AI in the development of Divinity, primarily driven by fan feedback and concerns over artistic integrity. The studio's decision to eliminate AI-generated art from the concept phase reflects a commitment to traditional artistic methods while still recognizing the potential benefits of AI in other areas of game development. 1. **Policy Reversal**: Larian will not use generative AI for concept art in Divinity. 2. **Community Engagement**: The decision was influenced by strong fan backlash and concerns. 3. **Future AI Use**: Larian will continue to explore AI technologies in non-artistic areas to improve development efficiency. This approach aims to balance innovation with the preservation of creative authenticity, ensuring that the final product meets the expectations of its dedicated fanbase [https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/larian-backtracks-on-ai-use-for-divinity-concept-art-and-writing-but-says-generative-ai-can-help-some-areas-of-development].