Harvey Smith launches Black Pony Immersive studio
When a studio stakes its claim, the name often tells the whole story. For Harvey Smith, a director known for shaping immersive worlds, this principle was deeply embedded when he co-founded his new venture, Black Pony Immersive, alongside fellow Arkane alumnus Ben Horne. The choice to put the word immersive right at the center of their identity wasn’t just a branding exercise; it was a defiant statement born from years of experience within the industry.
Smith reflected on the necessity of that choice. When Arkane was independent, the studio faced constant pressure to pivot, often being offered projects that lay outside their core expertise. There were lucrative offers for projects that felt like a lateral move into third-person action shooters, tempting the studio with immediate financial gain. Yet, the team firmly rejected these proposals, choosing instead to hold fast to the games they knew they could make exceptionally well.
This commitment to their niche defined the studio’s trajectory. Arkane ultimately became recognized as a powerhouse in the immersive simulation genre precisely because it maintained its creative focus, refusing to chase trends that didn’t align with its vision. This stance proved that specialization isn’t just a strategy—it’s a philosophy that builds lasting reputation.
The journey, however, was not without turbulence. Smith recalls a period of desperation, where the need for new opportunities led the team to consider ventures outside their wheelhouse. This included the decision to work on Redfall, a games-as-a-service title. While this move offered a chance to expand their scope, Smith ultimately felt it represented a significant detour from the creative path they had forged.
Redfall, while an ambitious project, ultimately proved to be a challenging path. The project led to the closure of Arkane Austin, and the studio’s future faced considerable uncertainty due to shifting legal landscapes and international labor laws. This experience underscored the delicate balance between ambition and creative integrity in the volatile gaming business.
Today, with Black Pony Immersive, the focus is clear. It is a testament to the idea that there are multiple ways to succeed, and that specializing in what you love remains the most powerful path forward. The new studio carries the legacy of dedication while building a future focused on the kind of deep, immersive experiences that defined their history.
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