Baldur’s Gate 3 developer Larian Studios is planning to hold a Q&A session with fans after the holidays to address recent controversies surrounding the studio’s use of generative AI. The beloved turn-based RPG based on Dungeons and Dragons cemented Larian Studios as a premier studio within the gaming industry, with Baldur’s Gate 3 cleaning up at award shows following its 2023 launch. Baldur’s Gate 3 has been hailed as one of the best RPGs of recent years, with the game even capturing Game of the Year at the 2023 Game Awards. However, the studio has found itself embroiled in controversy over a hot-button issue.
The use of generative AI in video games has been one of the hottest topics of discussion amongst gamers and developers alike. The rapid growth of the capabilities of artificial intelligence throughout recent years has seen many studios consider implementing AI into their own workflow. The rise of AI, however, has seen plenty of pushback from fans, who feel that the increasing use of generative AI could threaten jobs for artists, alongside concerns about the quality of games created using AI. Now, the developers of Baldur’s Gate 3 are in the hot seat over recent AI comments.
One of Baldur’s Gate 3’s Absolute Best Features is Officially Coming Back for Divinity
Larian Studios’ upcoming Divinity game will feature one of the best features from its masterful Baldur’s Gate 3.
Larian Studios Hosting Q&A Over Divinity AI Controversy
A recent statement from Larian Studios head Swen Vincke reveals that the studio is planning an “AMA” about its recent AI comments. Within the announcement via his official X account, Vincke stressed that “agency” for developers and players is at the core of Larian’s beliefs, calling it “irresponsible to not evaluate new technologies.” Vincke confirmed that Larian will host an official Q&A thread for fans to pose their own questions to different departments of the studio, likely centered around the potential use of AI by the Baldur’s Gate 3 studio. Vincke could not confirm when exactly the Q&A session would be held, simply stating it would come “after the holidays.”
The AI controversy surrounding Larian Studios comes on the heels of the Baldur’s Gate 3 studio finally announcing its next big project. Larian officially revealed a new Divinity game at the 2025 Game Awards, returning to the developer’s roots after its successful stint with Wizards of the Coast. The studio caught significant flak about the announcement after fans discovered some in-development Divinity concept art created with AI, with Vincke later pushing back on the claims. Vincke cited the controversy as a major reason behind the upcoming Q&A session, feeling that Larian’s intent and statements had been “lost in translation.”
Baldur’s Gate 3’s Popularity Paved the Way for Divinity’s Return
The massive success of Baldur’s Gate 3 catapulted Larian Studios into the spotlight, quickly becoming one of gaming’s most cherished properties. Baldur’s Gate 3 received multiple free updates following its release, adding everything from new subclasses for each Baldur’s Gate 3 class to an epilogue to the game’s story. The RPG’s free patches also introduced two new difficulties for players to challenge, as well as support for modding, new endings for evil playthroughs, and much more to the RPG. Baldur’s Gate 3‘s popularity led to the game being a sales behemoth for Larian as well, selling more than 20 million copies in two years.
Larian’s upcoming Q&A session will attempt to quell the fan outrage as the studio looks to get gamers excited about Divinity. Larian revealed that the next Divinity game is going to be bigger than Baldur’s Gate 3, as well as an even deeper experience than the Dungeons & Dragons RPG. Fan excitement over the newest Divinity also led to renewed interest in the franchise’s older entries, with both Divinity: Original Sin and Original Sin 2 seeing significant spikes in their player count. Larian Studios can only hope that it will ease fan concerns about generative AI and right the ship with its upcoming Q&A.
- Released
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August 3, 2023
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
Source: PushSquare