Despite previous comments made by Larian Studios directed at Gen AI, it appears the company is using it (with internal backlash) for prototyping content.
Larian Studios has been particularly firm in its public stance on generative AI. That position was underscored in October 2025, when the studio’s director of publishing, Michael Douse, responded sharply to Elon Musk’s claim that xAI would release a “full” generative AI game by the end of 2026.
In response, Douse said: “AI has its place as a tool, but we have all the tools in the world, and they aren’t compensating for the incredible lack of cogent direction. AI isn’t going to solve the big problem of the industry, which is leadership and vision.” However, a new Bloomberg report indicates that Larian Studios is itself using generative AI during game development, although not in the way some fans might expect.
The report suggests Larian has been “pushing hard on Generative AI,” using it to formulate presentations and even concept art. Larian Studios reportedly received notable pushback from internal staff, but moved ahead with Gen AI tools anyway. It’s at the point that the CEO, Swen Vincke, believes most of the studio is on the same page as him.
“I think at this point everyone at the company is more or less OK with the way we’re using it,” The CEO said, considering Larian Studios has promised no Gen AI will be included in their final products. “Everything is human actors; we’re writing everything ourselves,” Vincke said to Bloomberg. The argument for Gen AI Larian Studios uses is that it’s available to everyone, so it isn’t a serious advantage in development. Vincke refers to the current Gen AI landscape as “a new reality that we’re in” and continues with “you’re still gonna wanna create something special on top of that, and I think that’s where teams like us will make the difference.”
Neil Newbon (the actor who plays Astarion from Baldur’s Gate 3) notably gave his opinions on AI back in July, in an interview with Radio Times Gaming. He says “AI sucks,” and states that there is no joy in creating with it. He refers to mistakes in development as “happy accidents” (like Bob Ross) and makes production more human.
While it is now confirmed that Larian Studios will use generative AI in development, it remains unclear how that decision will affect fans’ perception of the company. Recent examples suggest there may be pushback. Titles such as Call of Duty, The Alters and ARC Raiders have all faced criticism from players after the use of generative AI, whether intentional or accidental, came to light.
