Harvey Smith, a pivotal figure at Arkane Studios for over 15 years, has announced the formation of a new independent game studio named Black Pony Immersive. Smith, who departed Arkane in 2024, co-founded the Austin, Texas-based studio with Ben Horne, an executive producer who previously worked alongside Smith for eight years, most recently on Redfall at Arkane Austin.
The studio's stated mission is to develop the kinds of immersive simulation games that Smith has become known for throughout his more than three decades in the industry. Immersive sims are characterized by player agency, complex interconnected game systems, and emergent gameplay scenarios that can differ significantly between playthroughs. Smith's career is deeply intertwined with this genre; he served as co-creative director for the acclaimed Dishonored and Dishonored 2, and as lead game designer on the seminal immersive sim Deus Ex. His earlier work also includes contributions to the quality assurance teams for System Shock and Ultima VIII: Pagan, and involvement in 2017's Prey.
Smith will lead Black Pony Immersive as CEO and creative director, with Horne serving as COO and executive producer. "During a time of industry volatility, I'm proud to announce the next step in my video game journey with the reveal of a new studio," Smith stated in a press release. "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 single-player games we're most passionate about."
Black Pony Immersive's development team comprises veteran talent working remotely across the United States. This roster includes individuals who previously worked at studios such as Arkane Studios, Insomniac Games, Epic Games, Avalanche Studios, and Volition. Among them is Richard Bare, who has a long-standing working relationship with Smith, spanning over 15 years at Arkane and their collaboration on Deus Ex.
"This group has worked together for years, decades in some cases, and is purpose-built to make the ambitious games we love – immersive sims," Horne added in the press release. "We share a vision for crafting games that push the limits of player immersion. We can't wait to reveal more soon." While the specifics of Black Pony Immersive's first project remain undisclosed, the studio's focus on immersive sims is a clear signal to fans of Smith's previous critically recognized titles. Further details are expected to be revealed at a later date.