Larian CEO denies replacing concept artists with AI
Swen Vincke addressed a fast-growing backlash after revealing Larian uses generative AI. He clarified the tech is used for brainstorming, internal decks, rough concept outlines, and provisional text-never as final game content. He also said the next Divinity won't ship with AI-generated assets.
The backlash and the clarification
After the disclosure, community pushback and comments from former staff came in hot. Vincke responded bluntly: "Holy fuck guys we're not 'pushing hard' for or replacing concept artists with AI." He highlighted the scale of the team-72 artists, including 23 concept artists-and said they're hiring more, not fewer.
How Larian actually uses AI
In an interview, Vincke explained that AI sits at the very start of the process, like using search or art books for references. It helps sketch early composition ideas that artists later redraw, refine, and replace with original work. As he put it, "There is no comparison."
He also reiterated to IGN that Larian has no plans to trim creative teams or ship a game containing AI-generated content. Source: IGN
Creative integrity over shortcuts
Larian hires for taste, storytelling, and craft-human skills. AI is treated as a quick assistant to speed up low-value tasks so artists can spend more time on the work that actually matters. The goal is clear: simplify the busywork, keep the art human.
Growing the team and the craft
The studio is expanding its bench of concept artists, writers, and performance talent. They're investing in writers' rooms and recorded performances to strengthen narrative and character. Machine learning tools are there to support the pipeline, not define it.
Industry snapshot
AI's presence in pipelines is becoming public. The Expedition 33 team openly used AI and still took home a win at The Game Awards, as noted by Washington Post reporter Gene Park. The conversation across major studios echoes the same theme: tools can help, intent stays human. The Game Awards
What this means for creatives
- Treat AI like a messy sketchpad or reference board, not a finish button.
- Document your process: show how ideas evolve from AI scribbles to original art.
- Set clear boundaries in your pipeline: no AI assets in final deliverables unless explicitly approved.
- Protect your value by highlighting taste, composition, and decision-making-what clients can't automate.
- Build a portfolio section that showcases iterations, not just polished shots.
- Use AI to explore composition and color studies fast, then redraw from scratch.
- Track provenance: what's AI-assisted, what's original, and where references came from.
Looking ahead: Divinity
Larian's next turn-based RPG was teased at The Game Awards, with Vincke calling it the studio operating without restraints. The expectation: bigger ideas, stronger execution, and a clear human touch across art, writing, and performance.
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