Harvey Smith, a key figure behind Arkane Austin's acclaimed titles such as Dishonored, has announced the formation of a new development studio named Black Pony Immersive. Smith has partnered with executive producer Ben Horne to establish the company, which boasts an "elite development team" comprised of former members from prominent studios like Arkane, Insomniac, Epic Games, Avalanche Studios, and Volition. Ricardo Bare, a long-time collaborator of Smith's, is also part of the new venture.
Black Pony Immersive is focused on designing and developing first-person action RPGs set within meticulously crafted worlds. The studio's approach emphasizes emergent game systems, providing players with the freedom to tackle challenges in a variety of ways. While not explicitly using the term, the studio's mission aligns with the principles of immersive simulations, a genre Smith is well-known for championing.
"During a time of industry volatility, I'm proud to announce the next step in my videogame journey with the reveal of our new studio," Smith stated. "This effort reflects everything we've learned, and all we hold dear. My favorite gaming memories come from seeing players approach challenges with creativity, deep-diving into our world building. We try to reward players for their curiosity and exploration. At our new studio, we're building exactly the kind of singleplayer games we're most passionate about."
The studio's website features a poetic mission statement, "Through the looking glass, we’re chasing a dream of mystery, meaning, and creative play," which appears to be a deliberate nod to Looking Glass Studios, the influential developer behind seminal immersive sims like Ultima Underworld and System Shock. This reference signals Smith's commitment to the genre's legacy.
This new endeavor marks Smith's return to game development following the closure of Arkane Austin in early 2024. Smith had previously expressed surprise at the studio's shutdown, noting that the team had been working on an exciting project at the time. The exact nature of Black Pony Immersive's first project has not yet been revealed, but the studio's website offers some hints for those eager to learn more about their future endeavors.