In a surprising turn of events following Warren Spector’s departure from the industry, veteran game developer Harvey Smith has announced the formation of Black Pony Immersive. This new studio is dedicated to crafting “imaginative first-person action RPGs set within well-realized worlds,” promising players the freedom to forge their own unique and memorable experiences through expressive and emergent gameplay systems. The announcement carries a clear message: “through the looking glass, we’re chasing a dream of mystery, meaning, and creative play.”
A Gathering of Immersive Sim Veterans
Based in Austin, Texas, Black Pony Immersive is spearheaded by Smith alongside former Arkane colleagues Ben Horne and Ricardo Bare. The studio’s team extends beyond these core members, drawing talent from across the United States, including individuals with experience at renowned studios like Insomniac (creators of Spider-Man), Epic Games (Fortnite), Avalanche Studios (Just Cause), and Volition (Saints Row). This diverse background suggests a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various aspects of game development.
[MEDIA_1: A stylized logo for Black Pony Immersive, featuring a black pony silhouetted against a vibrant sunset.]
A Response to Industry Shifts
The announcement arrives at a poignant moment. It follows the recent closure of Arkane Austin, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Prey (2017) and the less successful Redfall. This closure, orchestrated by Microsoft, has undoubtedly impacted the immersive sim landscape. As Nic from RPS eloquently put it, there are thoughts“>thoughts on this situation.
[MEDIA_2: A screenshot from Prey (2017), showcasing its atmospheric environments and engaging gameplay.]
Furthermore, Microsoft is currently in the process of restructuring Arkane Lyon. The developers are haggling out the terms of their sale, closure or buyout“>haggling out the terms of their sale, closure or buyout with the Xbox team. Smith’s announcement can be seen as a hopeful response to these industry shifts, signaling a renewed commitment to the immersive sim genre.
A Vision for the Future
“During a time of industry volatility,” Smith writes in a press release, “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.”
[MEDIA_3: A concept art piece showcasing a potential environment for a Black Pony Immersive game, hinting at intricate level design and player agency.]
What to Expect from Black Pony Immersive
While Black Pony Immersive has yet to unveil its first project, Ben Horne emphasizes that the team is “purpose-built to make the ambitious games we love – immersive sims.” The studio’s collective experience and shared passion for the genre suggest exciting possibilities. We can anticipate more details “soon,” and hopefully, a glimpse into the innovative experiences Black Pony Immersive is poised to create.
[MEDIA_4: A behind-the-scenes photo of the Black Pony Immersive team working together, highlighting their collaborative spirit.]
Dear Mr. Horne: please can I have an immersive sim that takes place entirely inside the squirming, reactive innards of a very large whale, like the horrible leviathans from Dishonored. We could call it “Jonah’s Ex” or “The Xbox Acquisition Experience.”
Source: Rock Paper Shotgun
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