Dishonored co-creator Harvey Smith launches a new studio and it literally has the word 'Immersive' in the name

Former Arkane Austin studio director Harvey Smith, renowned for his work on Deus Ex, Thief: Deadly Shadows, and Dishonored, has teamed up with executive producer Ben Horne to found a new studio named Black Pony Immersive. The novel venture boasts a skilled development team, comprising members from Arkane, Insomniac, Epic, Avalanche, and Volition, with Smith's longtime collaborator Ricardo Bare at the helm.

The studio's mission is to create imaginative, first-person action RPGs set within intricate worlds, offering players freedom to tackle challenges according to their own preferences. While "immersive sims" might sound like a mouthful, Smith and his team have opted for a more descriptive approach to convey their vision. In the current volatile state of the industry, Smith declared his pride in announcing the next chapter of his gaming journey through Black Pony Immersive, a studio that encapsulates everything they hold dear.

Smith reminisced about the most memorable gaming moments, where players embraced creativity and immersed themselves in richly crafted worlds. He emphasized the studio's dedication to crafting single-player games that prioritize curiosity and exploration. The studio's website further underscores their mission, stating, "Through the looking glass, we’re chasing a dream of mystery, meaning, and creative play."

For those familiar with the term, this reference is a nod to Looking Glass Studios, the legendary creator of immersive sims such as Ultima Underworld, System Shock, and Thief. Smith's return to the industry follows the closure of Arkane Austin in 2024, just a year after the disappointing release of Redfall. Despite the studio's past successes, the abrupt shutdown came as a shock to many.

Smith expressed disappointment but remains hopeful that some elements of Arkane's previous work may find their way into the new studio's endeavors. The specific projects Black Pony Immersive will undertake have yet to be unveiled, but the studio's website features clickable elements that may provide some clues. In the meantime, readers can indulge in a nostalgic chat featuring Smith, Ricardo Bare, Warren Spector, Tom Francis, and Steve Gaynor, discussing the intricacies of creating PC's most complex games.