Larian Studios is doubling down on the mature, gritty themes for its next major RPG, Divinity. Given the studio’s track record with the boundary-pushing Baldur’s Gate 3, this narrative direction is hardly a surprise. While the debut trailer for the new title leans heavily into visceral, high-stakes imagery, Larian CEO Swen Vincke maintains that the footage isn’t intended to be gratuitous. Instead, he views it as being on par with the standard of storytelling found on premium networks like HBO or Netflix.
In a conversation following the reveal of Divinity at The Game Awards, Vincke elaborated on the creative philosophy behind the trailer. When asked if the team was intentionally aiming for “shock value” to make a lasting first impression, he noted that the intent was far more nuanced.
Vincke explained that the team didn’t set out to shock players, but rather to respect them. “Shock factor wasn’t our primary focus,” Vincke noted. “We wanted to craft an experience for a mature audience—one that treats players as intelligent individuals who are accustomed to complex media. The tone we’re striking is very much in line with what you’d expect from a prestige television series.”
He further clarified that while the trailer’s intensity might feel distinct in the gaming landscape, it is a logical progression for the Divinity franchise. The primary shift this time around is the move toward a more cinematic and “grounded” presentation of the world.
“We wanted to demonstrate that we’re building on our previous work, but elevating it through a cinematic lens,” Vincke said. “The world feels more tangible and less like a traditional high-fantasy setting where magic is an everyday convenience. While fantasy elements are central, the portrayal is more realistic and less whimsical.”
Vincke characterized the trailer as “aspirational,” serving as a benchmark for the final game’s visual and tonal quality. Addressing the game’s darker atmosphere, he suggested that a bleak setting is necessary for true role-playing impact: “To make the player feel like a genuine hero who is changing the world, you have to place them in a setting where those changes truly matter—and that often requires a journey through darker territory.”
While an official launch date for Divinity remains under wraps, it is highly probable that Larian will utilize its proven development model. As hinted by the studio, Divinity is expected to debut in Early Access, allowing the community to help shape the massive RPG just as they did with Baldur’s Gate 3 and Original Sin 2.
Looking for more? Read about why Swen Vincke believes the lessons learned from Baldur’s Gate 3 and Original Sin 2 serve as the essential blueprint for this “natural evolution” of Larian’s 20-year history.
Source: gamesradar.com
