Veteran game developer Harvey Smith, a name synonymous with iconic titles like Deus Ex, Thief: Deadly Shadows, and the critically acclaimed Dishonored series, is embarking on a new adventure. He’s joined forces with executive producer Ben Horne to establish Black Pony Immersive, a studio dedicated to crafting imaginative first-person action RPGs.
A New Chapter for Immersive Gaming
Black Pony Immersive boasts an “elite development team” comprised of talent drawn from industry giants like Arkane, Insomniac, Epic, Avalanche, and Volition. This powerhouse includes Ricardo Bare, a long-time collaborator of Smith’s. The studio’s mission is clear: to design and develop first-person action RPGs set within richly detailed worlds, empowering players with emergent game systems that allow for diverse approaches to challenges.
The name “Black Pony Immersive” isn’t just a clever moniker; it signals the studio’s commitment to the immersive sim genre. While some might see this as simply another label, the resurgence of immersive sims is undeniable, and Smith and his team are embracing the description wholeheartedly. As Harvey Smith stated, “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.” He further emphasized, “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 vision extends beyond mere gameplay; it’s about fostering creativity and rewarding player agency. As the PC Gamer article points out, beneath the polished corporate language lies a deeper aspiration: “Through the looking glass, we’re chasing a dream of mystery, meaning, and creative play.” This is a clear nod to Looking Glass Studios, the legendary immersive sim pioneers responsible for groundbreaking titles like Ultima Underworld, System Shock, and Thief. It’s a bold statement from Smith, signaling his intention to carry on that legacy.
This new venture marks Smith’s return to the industry after Arkane Austin’s closure in 2024. The studio had been working on something “very cool” when it was abruptly shut down following the disappointing launch of Redfall. In 2025, Smith expressed disappointment that this promising project never saw the light of day. Perhaps elements of that unreleased game will find their way into Black Pony Immersive’s future projects.
While details about Black Pony Immersive’s first title are still under wraps, the studio’s website offers intriguing glimpses into its creative process. In the meantime, fans can delve deeper into the minds of Smith, Bare, and other immersive sim luminaries like Warren Spector, Tom Francis, and Steve Gaynor in this insightful interview from a few years back.
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Source: PC Gamer
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