Following the closure of Arkane Austin by Microsoft, veteran developer Harvey Smith, known for his work on the Dishonored series, has announced the formation of a new studio named Black Pony Immersive. The Austin-based company is dedicated to the development of "imaginative first-person action RPGs set within well-realized worlds, where players create their own memorable experiences with expressive, emergent game systems." The studio's mission statement includes the phrase, "through the looking glass, we’re chasing a dream of mystery, meaning, and creative play," signaling a strong commitment to the immersive simulation genre.
Smith is joined at Black Pony Immersive by former Arkane developers Ben Horne and Ricardo Bare. The studio's broader team comprises individuals with experience from notable game development studios such as Insomniac Games, Epic Games, Avalanche Studios, and Volition. This collective experience is intended to fuel the creation of ambitious games in the immersive sim tradition.
Smith commented on the industry's current climate, stating, "During a time of industry volatility, I'm proud to announce the next step in my video game journey with the reveal of our new studio. 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."
While Black Pony Immersive has yet to reveal any specific game projects, Horne emphasized the team's shared history and purpose. "This group has worked together for years, decades in some cases, and is purpose-built to make the ambitious games we love - immersive sims," he stated. Further details about the studio's upcoming projects are expected soon.