The debate rages on: are immersive sims a relic of gaming history or do they still have a place in today’s market? Just this month, we’re seeing renewed discussion about the genre, from veteran developers sharing their experiences to the bold announcement of a new studio dedicated entirely to immersive sim development. Dishonored creator Harvey Smith has now weighed in on the conversation, challenging the notion that these complex and player-driven games are destined for extinction.
A New Studio Dedicated to Immersive Sims
Following earlier reflections from original designers of Thief: The Dark Project, who shared their insights on developing immersive sims at a AAA scale, Harvey Smith, along with fellow leads Ben Horne and Ricardo Bare, have announced the formation of a new studio focused exclusively on this beloved genre. This is huge news for fans yearning for more titles that offer unparalleled player agency and emergent gameplay.
Speaking to The Game Business, Smith directly addressed the question of whether immersive sims are dead. His response was thought-provoking, posing a counter-question: “At some point you’re worried… do questions like that create a self-fulfilling prophecy?” He highlighted the enduring legacy of many immersive sim titles, noting their continued cultural relevance and commercial success. He pointed to games like BioShock, Deus Ex, and, of course, Dishonored, as examples of immersive sims that have not only stood the test of time but also generated significant revenue.
Finding a Vision in a Shifting Landscape
Ben Horne echoed Smith’s sentiments, acknowledging the challenges of navigating the ever-changing landscape of the gaming industry. “We don’t really know what turn the industry might take, and we’re probably not going to be very good at trend chasing,” he explained. “And so, our best shot is to rally around a creative vision that excites us as developers. It excites the audience that we know wants to play this kind-of game. That’s the best chance of making something great.” This focus on passion and creative vision seems to be the driving force behind the new studio’s commitment to immersive sims.
Harvey Smith also shared a personal reflection, highlighting the often contradictory advice he has received throughout his career. “Very well-paid people say things to me, going way back now, like, ‘First-person games don’t sell,’ or, ‘RPGs are a niche market,’ ‘If you’re not working on a free-to-play game now, in five years you’ll be out of a job,’ ‘MMOs are the future,’ ‘In the future, games will have live motion video sections with Hollywood actors in them.’ I’ve heard smart, good people, friends of mine in executive positions, say these things over the years, and sometimes they’re right.” While acknowledging that some predictions hold true, Smith emphasized the importance of staying true to one’s creative vision.
The comment about “first-person games don’t sell” is particularly noteworthy, given the consistent success of FPS titles across various platforms. While the prediction about Hollywood actors in future games might be coming to fruition, it’s encouraging to see Smith and his team prioritizing their passion for immersive sims. With a dedicated studio now committed to the genre, and with continued demand from players – as evidenced by the passionate community surrounding games like Gloomwood – the future of immersive sims looks brighter than ever. The key, it seems, is finding the right scale and scope to deliver an unforgettable experience.
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