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How The Divinity Series Almost Didn't Happen

Leading up to the release of Divinity Original Sin 2: Definitive Edition, we visited Larian Studios to speak to CEO and designer Swen Vincke about the rough start the series had, their brushes with bankruptcy, and the risks the studio had to take to release Divinity Original Sin.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 launched for PC in 2017 and is one of the few titles that GameSpot has awarded a 10/10 score. In our Divinity: Original Sin 2 review we said it was "one of the most captivating role-playing games ever made" and showered it with praise for its "immaculately conceived and emotion-wrought fantasy world, topped by brilliant tactical combat," all of which made it an "instant classic in the pantheon of RPG greats." The game went on to place at No. 5 on GameSpot’s Game of the Year list, driving home our opinion that it is an experience that should not be missed.

With the launch of the Definitive Edition, Divinity: Original Sin 2 arrives on PS4 and Xbox One with tweaks to make it work on controllers. Additionally, the overall game experience has been reworked, which means even those who have already played it on PC are given a reason to jump back in. The story of Original Sin 2 is a captivating journey through a fascinating fantasy universe, and it's one that almost didn't get told. In the lead up to the launch of the Definitive Edition, we travelled to Larian Studios to talk to CEO and designer Swen Vincke about bringing the vision for the series to life.

Given how well received the first game was, and how critically acclaimed the sequel has been, it may surprise you to learn that Larian fought what often felt like a losing battle to get the games made, and found themselves on the precipice of complete failure numerous times. However, the studio and its developers maintained their faith in the games and their desire to share their vision with gamers. In the video above, you'll get to hear about that whole journey from the people involved, and get insight into the tumultuous development behind one of the most beloved RPGs in recent memory.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition launches on Xbox One, PS4, and PC on August 31. If you own the original version of the game on PC a free download will be available to upgrade to the Definitive Edition.

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streamline

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If they use face close ups and facial animations with NPCs, that would make the game much more immersive for me. That is the only “classic” part I have issues with.

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mrbojangles25

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Edited By mrbojangles25  Online

Fun fact, but the "Divinity" series goes back quite a few years. Their first game (iirc) is an isometric action-RPG game like Diablo, while they also have a third-person action-RPG kind of like The Elder Scrolls (where you can morph into a dragon!)

It's a pretty fun franchise, filled with humor and just the right amount of corniness.

I especially like Dragon Commander. I mean, dragons with jet packs? GTFO how won't that be amazing.

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JEF8484

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Great article. Keep this stuff up guys....

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Gladestone1

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Mrvulps takes a team to make a game not one person, from where they, where to where they are.The series has been fun an sven has nothing but pride an he should..Its a fun game you can dive into with out being bored...

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RELeon

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Well I am glad it did. The series is pretty awesome.

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MisterVulpes

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And then Kevin Van Ord came along and saved the day...

We all know that’s what really happened.

Oh Kevin.

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Dustyn-Barlow

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I remember playing Original Sin 2 back in 2007.... I was at school saying "That Divinity game is so awesome!... at least 10 years ahead of it's time"!

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deactivated-610c3819be19e

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What?! There's no way this game came out 11 years ago? I thought this just came out like maybe 2 years ago.

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s9743469

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2007? Wow. Feels like it came out only last year! I guess time flies...

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papadrew7

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Every gamer owes it to themselves to play this game. This is the best RPG I have EVER played. It makes skyrim and fallout seem like childs play in comparison.

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deactivated-5ebea105efb64

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I remember playing divinity original sin 2 in 2007.

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jsprunk

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@Gamerno6666: Hard to believe 2007 was already 18 years ago.

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Kjranu

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@jsprunk: more like 11.

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gargar

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@Gamerno6666: Ye, time goes by so fast.

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