Lots of Specifics About Divinity from Larian: Romances, Companions, Camps, AI, Co-op, and Engine
During a question and answer session (AMA) on Reddit, Larian Studios revealed new details about their next game, Divinity. Key studio employees, including Larian's head Sven Vincke, participated in the discussion. TheGamer's editors have compiled all the key statements.
Larian Limits the Use of Artificial Intelligence
Sven Vincke stated that there would be no AI-generated graphics in Divinity. Previously, the studio experimented with generative tools during the visual concept development stage, but decided against using them in concept art to avoid controversy.
However, AI will continue to be tested in other departments as an auxiliary tool to speed up idea validation. This will allow for more frequent revisions, improve gameplay quality, and make the production process more focused.
Divinity Engine and Mod Support
The game is being created on the proprietary Divinity Engine, which Larian has been developing since 2014. The engine has undergone "significant changes" for the new project, so the mechanics will not completely replicate Baldur's Gate 3.
Mod support has been officially confirmed, but modding tools may not be available at launch. The control system will remain familiar to Larian games: there will be no native WASD support, and a hybrid camera will be used.
World, Races, and Companions
The story takes place in the same universe as Divinity: Original Sin 2, but the story is conceived as standalone. Based on the trailer and developer comments, it can be concluded that humans, elves, dwarves, orcs, lizards, and probably halflings will be available to players.
A camp system will appear in the game, allowing for deeper relationships with companions. Due to the abandonment of Dungeons & Dragons rules, resting in the camp will no longer be associated with restoring spell slots.
Production, Romances, and New Mechanics
Divinity is in active development. Borislav Slavov, who received awards for the music for Baldur's Gate 3, is again working on the soundtrack. The romance system will be deeper and more emotionally complex compared to the studio's previous games.
The developers confirmed that one of the romantic options will be a lizard race character. The appearance of a swimming mechanic is also being discussed; the designers mentioned that such opportunities were lacking in previous Larian projects.
Co-op will be available from the moment of release, but the exact group size has not yet been disclosed. The game will have a more down-to-earth tone than the studio's previous projects, while maintaining its signature humor. The authors promise broad freedom in creating a character, including the possibility of playing a villain who will leave the world in a much worse state than he found it.
While development continues, the studio is not ready to show gameplay to a wide audience.
