Ex-Arkane vets launch new immersive sim studio
The immersive simulation genre, with its complex, multi-layered design, remains a fascinating but underrepresented space in the gaming industry. Despite its creative potential, past attempts to capitalize on this niche have often struggled to meet the demanding expectations of shareholders. Now, a new force is emerging, driven by veterans determined to redefine what the genre can achieve.
From the ashes of past ventures, a new studio is taking shape. Harvey Smith and Ricardo Bare, figures deeply ingrained in the immersive sim landscape, have announced the formation of Black Pony Immersive. This new studio is dedicated to cultivating the kind of experience that truly defines the genre.
In a recent interview, Harvey Smith, an icon in the field, shared the studio’s core mission: “We want to make immersive sims. We want to make single-player, narrative-driven, first-person games where you explore and solve problems creatively. Think Deus Ex, think Dishonored—that’s what we are doing.”
This vision is rooted in decades of experience. Harvey Smith himself is a titan of the genre, having played a pivotal role in many of the most celebrated titles. His creative contributions span the history of immersive simulation, including the original 1994 System Shock, the 2000 classic Deus Ex, and the 2004 title Thief Deadly Shadows, as well as the highly acclaimed Dishonored series.
The pedigree of the founders brings immense weight to the new endeavor. With Harvey Smith’s extensive background, alongside Ricardo Bare, Black Pony Immersive is assembling a formidable team, currently comprising 26 talented developers. They are leveraging deep genre knowledge to push the boundaries of narrative and player interaction.
The new studio represents a significant move, signaling a fresh commitment to the core principles of immersive design. By focusing on single-player, narrative-driven experiences, Black Pony Immersive aims to deliver the deep, engaging world-building that immersive sims are known for, proving that the genre still has a powerful future.
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