Dishonored and Deus Ex Designers Launch New Immersive Sims Studio

Veteran game developer Harvey Smith is embarking on an exciting new chapter, launching a fresh development studio focused on the rich and rewarding world of the “immersive sim” genre. Smith, known for shaping iconic titles like the Dishonored series and the original Deus Ex, is bringing his passion for player-driven exploration to life through his new venture, Black Pony Immersive.

Smith’s focus is clear: rewarding players for curiosity and deep-diving into world-building. “My favorite gaming memories come from seeing players approach challenges with creativity, deep-diving into our world building,” he explained. “At our new studio, we’re building exactly the kind of single-player games we’re most passionate about.”

This mission aligns Smith with the legacy of immersive-sim legend Warren Spector, with whom he spent nine years collaborating. Smith, who has deep admiration for Spector and Richard Garriott, feels a powerful drive to continue fostering this specific style of game design. He is now channeling that energy into creating narrative-driven, first-person immersive sims.

The ambition behind Black Pony Immersive is rooted in a deep appreciation for the genre’s potential. Smith reflected on the opportunities he missed during his time at Arkane, noting how much more longevity and creative success the studio could have achieved by focusing solely on these compelling experiences. He sees the potential for Black Pony Immersive to deliver that kind of creative and emotional payoff for players.

The team building this new vision is stacked with experience. Smith is joined by longtime Arkane Austin collaborators Ben Horne and Ricardo Bare, bringing a collective resume that includes significant work on renowned titles such as Prey and various other acclaimed projects. Their combined expertise ensures that the new studio is grounded in a history of crafting unforgettable gameplay.

Smith remains fiercely committed to the genre, expressing a sense of responsibility to carry the torch for immersive sims “Until I am dead.” He is incredibly hyped for the future of the genre, eagerly anticipating games that embody the spirit of creative exploration and deep world interaction.