Larian’s Swen Vincke: Divinity Trailer Lacks Surprise, Similar to HBO and Netflix Content

Larian Studios is diving into darker and more mature themes with its upcoming RPG, Divinity, which should come as no surprise to those familiar with Baldur’s Gate 3. The game’s debut trailer showcases this intent in all its gory detail, but Larian CEO Swen Vincke believes it’s not as shocking as it might seem, likening it to content you’d find on HBO or Netflix.

After the reveal at The Game Awards, we had the opportunity to chat with Vincke about the creative direction behind the trailer and whether shock value was a consideration. After all, first impressions matter.

Vincke clarified that shock value wasn’t a priority for the team, as what they presented aligns with the kind of storytelling seen on popular streaming platforms.

“Shock factor really was not the thing that was on our minds,” Vincke explained. “I can understand why you think that, but we wanted to create a game for a mature audience that respects players as intelligent individuals. This isn’t far removed from what you’d see on HBO or Netflix.”

He acknowledged that while the trailer’s content might not be typical for the gaming industry, it fits well within Larian’s established style for Divinity. The key difference this time is the cinematic approach.

“We wanted to ensure that players understood they would get the same essence as before, but presented in a more cinematic way,” he noted. “It’s more grounded, showcasing a universe that isn’t overly fantastical. Sure, there are fantasy elements, but it’s not magic everywhere.”

Vincke described the trailer as “aspirational,” emphasizing that it reflects “what we want the game to look like.” He also mentioned that to evoke a sense of heroism in players, the narrative needs to explore darker themes.

Divinity currently lacks a release date or window, but it seems likely that players won’t have to wait too long, as Larian appears eager to pursue an Early Access model once again.