"We chose the worst time in history" – Harvey Smith on starting his own studio after Arkane
Microsoft's closure of Arkane Austin in May 2024 left 96 developers out of work – among them studio head Harvey Smith, whose storied career spans Deus Ex, Dishonored, and Prey. Now, after a two-year quiet period, Smith is ready to reveal his next venture: Black Pony Immersive, a new studio co-founded with former Arkane colleague Ben Horne. Read more
Following the closure of Arkane Austin in May 2024, 96 developers lost their jobs, including studio head Harvey Smith. After a two-year break, Smith is unveiling his next project: Black Pony Immersive, co-founded with former Arkane colleague Ben Horne. Smith explained to GamesIndustry.biz, "We chose the worst time in history to start a game studio."
Horne concurred, noting that they faced a harsh fundraising environment and had turned down unsuitable offers. Despite the challenges, Smith sees this as an opportunity to create something better. He highlighted the advantages of a nimble, top-down free structure, alongside providing health-care benefits, crucial for a small U.S.-based startup.
Black Pony, now comprising 26 employees, aims to reconnect some Arkane veterans, like Smith's creative partner Ricardo Bare and Monte Martinez, a former teammate from Ion Storm. Smith remains tight-lipped about the game's specifics but confirmed it will be a narrative-rich, exploration-based experience, fitting within the immersive sim genre.
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