A New Divinity, But Not Original Sin

After an earlier trademark filing hinted at its existence, Larian Studios officially unveiled a brand new Divinity title during The Game Awards 2025. The project is confirmed to be entirely separate from the Divinity: Original Sin series that defined the studio’s modern identity.

The naming choice immediately sparked debate. Long-time fans will remember that the earliest Divinity games leaned toward action RPG mechanics with a behind-the-character camera. That history led some to speculate that Larian might be shifting away from its now-famous isometric, turn-based structure.

Larian has since addressed those concerns directly.

Turn-Based Gameplay Confirmed

In an interview with Bloomberg, Larian CEO Swen Vincke confirmed that Divinity will be a turn-based RPG. Rather than stepping away from the systems that made Baldur’s Gate 3 a global success, the studio intends to build on them and push even further.

Vincke described Divinity as a project that blends ideas from Larian’s past work, but on a much larger scale. He stated that the team believes this new title has the potential to surpass Baldur’s Gate 3 in both quality and ambition.

One key difference is the ruleset. Unlike Baldur’s Gate 3, Divinity will not use Dungeons & Dragons as source material. Instead, Larian is developing an entirely original system in-house, designed to be more accessible while retaining deep tactical complexity.

A New Engine and Stronger Cinematic Focus

The project is being built on a new engine, with a stronger emphasis on cinematic presentation and narrative reactivity. Larian has stressed that player choice will once again be central, with decisions leading to radically different story paths and consequences.

Vincke indicated that the team is experimenting with ideas not previously attempted in RPGs, though he did not provide concrete examples. As with past Larian titles, systems-driven storytelling appears to be a major focus.

Early Access Returns, AI Use Clarified

Like Baldur’s Gate 3, Divinity will launch in Early Access first. No timeframe has been provided, but Larian reaffirmed that the model remains core to how the studio develops and refines its games alongside player feedback.

Vincke also addressed concerns around generative AI. He clarified that AI tools are used internally only for tasks such as presentations, concept exploration, and placeholder material. All writing, narrative design, and performances remain fully human-created.

At the time of writing, Larian Studios has not shared a release window or target platforms. What is clear is that this is not a return to the studio’s past, nor a continuation of Original Sin. Divinity is positioned as Larian’s next evolution, and one that aims to redefine what the studio is capable of.