Swen Vincke, head of Larian Studios, has shared his perspective on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in video game development, noting that his company uses it to facilitate certain processes, but not to replace human talent in content creation. In a recent talk with Bloomberg, Vincke explained that generative AI is used to explore ideas, develop presentations, and draft placeholder texts, stating that “everyone is a human actor” in the creative process.
They are using AI, but very little, really
Despite his defense of the use of AI, Vincke’s statements have received negative responses from some employees, such as artist Selena Tobin, who has expressed her discontent on social media. Tobin, credited as a junior environmental artist on Baldur’s Gate 3, expressed her disappointment by commenting that she enjoyed working at Larian “until AI came along,” urging the company’s management to “show respect to their employees,” who, according to her, do not need the help of AI to generate innovative ideas.
Vincke has defended the use of AI as a tool that accelerates workflows and improves productivity, but he has insisted that the art and voices in his games, including future releases, are products of human work. In response to the criticism, the founder of Larian Studios intends to clarify his position in an upcoming interview with Gamespot, where the implementations of AI in the company for 2025 will be detailed.
With the growing use of AI in the video game industry, the debate about its role in the creative process intensifies, generating different opinions on the balance between technology and human talent in the creation of artistic and entertainment works.
