Five members of Larian Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed RPG Divinity: Original Sin 2, recently had their minds blown as they reacted to two extraordinary speedruns of their game. The featured runs included a jaw-dropping 7-minute completion by speedrunner Fazerer and an impressive 35-minute glitchless performance by Worldlyy. Both runs pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in Divinity: Original Sin 2, showcasing the creativity and ingenuity of the speedrunning community.

The video, which brought five prominent Larian team members—David Walgrave, Edouard Imbert, Farhang Namdar, Matthew Holland, and Nick Pechenin—into one room to witness these feats, delivered a mix of awe, humor, and genuine curiosity. Each developer represents a key aspect of the game’s creation: Walgrave (Head of Production), Imbert (Combat Design Lead), Namdar (World Building Director), Holland (Senior Combat Designer), and Pechenin (Head of Design). This provided a rare opportunity for fans to see the creative forces behind the game grapple with the inventive strategies players have discovered.

A 7-Minute Brain-Bender

The first speedrun they reacted to, executed by Fazerer, clocks in at an astonishing 7 minutes. This run employs advanced techniques and exploits that subvert the game’s traditional progression. For developers who poured countless hours into designing intricate levels, detailed narratives, and layered combat systems, watching Fazerer skip vast swaths of gameplay to reach an almost impossible completion time was mind-blowing. As expected, the reactions ranged from bewilderment at the clever manipulation of game mechanics to amusement at how quickly the seemingly “unskippable” moments were bypassed. "I never thought someone would find a way to do that," one developer reportedly commented in real-time.

For speedrunners and dedicated fans, leveraging hidden features, overlooked loopholes, or unintended shortcuts is just part of the challenge. Fazerer, whose runs can be viewed on both Twitch and YouTube, clearly thrives in breaking the boundaries of what many players would deem possible.

A Glitchless Masterpiece

The second run on the docket, a 35-minute glitchless playthrough by Worldlyy, offered a stark yet equally mesmerizing contrast. This completion strictly adhered to the game’s intended design—progressing through the narrative, tackling combat scenarios, and adhering to the mechanics as they were meant to be executed. The feat relied on sheer skill, intimate knowledge of the game’s systems, and optimized decision-making.

The developers expressed amazement at how Worldlyy was able to pare down the game to its essentials, completing the intricate RPG in such a short span while adhering to the rules. A run like this highlights the depth and flexibility embedded into the title, proving that mastery of its systems can dramatically change how it is experienced. Worldlyy has also archived this and other feats on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, where followers can explore the meticulous approaches that led to this achievement.

Developers React in Real Time

Through their live commentary, the Larian Studios creators provided fans with a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into how game developers process the inventive ways their titles are played. They shared insights on their design intentions and speculated about the key moments in each speedrun. Occasionally, their astonishment turned introspective, with discussions about how such feats showcase the endless possibilities within their systems. It was as much a reflection on their work as it was a celebration of what players can achieve with creativity and dedication.

David Walgrave and Nick Pechenin, representing the broader production and design aspects, often marveled at the interplay of mechanics that made such speedruns possible. Meanwhile, Edouard Imbert and Matthew Holland, more focused on the game’s combat systems, were captivated by the strategies that allowed players to expedite battles—or skip them altogether—with surgical precision. Farhang Namdar, whose world-building expertise shaped Divinity: Original Sin 2's environments, expressed surprise at the ways players could bypass or traverse areas in ways he hadn't anticipated.

The Broader Implications of Speedruns

For fans of the Divinity: Original Sin 2 community and Larian Studios alike, this collaboration between developers and speedrunners vividly illustrates the interplay between a game’s creators and its players. Speedruns are not just showcases of skill but also a way to stress-test the systems, explore their limits, and celebrate their intricacies.

Both Fazerer and Worldlyy stand out as prime examples of how broad the scope of speedruns can be, from exploiting glitches to skillfully navigating the world as intended. Their achievements are a testament to the passion and commitment within the gaming community. Additionally, their content, available across platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Bluesky, reflects how speedrunning has evolved into a thriving subculture with its own dedicated following.

What’s Next for Larian Studios?

While Divinity: Original Sin 2 remains a standout gem in the RPG landscape, fans continue to eagerly anticipate what’s next for Larian Studios. The success of Baldur’s Gate 3, their latest release, has only heightened excitement around announcements of future projects. In the meantime, speedruns like those of Fazerer and Worldlyy ensure that the legacy of Divinity: Original Sin 2 remains alive and dynamic within its community.

For those who want to delve deeper into these incredible runs, Fazerer’s work is showcased on Twitch and YouTube under the username "Fazerer", while Worldlyy offers content across YouTube, Twitch, and even Bluesky. Their creations provide a fascinating perspective on a game that continues to be explored in groundbreaking ways, years after its release.