Former Arkane Austin studio director Harvey Smith, renowned for his contributions to iconic titles such as Deus Ex, Thief: Deadly Shadows, and Dishonored, has embarked on an exciting new venture. Alongside executive producer Ben Horne, Smith has established Black Pony Immersive, a studio that promises to redefine the landscape of action RPGs. This new endeavor boasts an “elite development team” composed of talent from esteemed companies like Arkane, Insomniac, Epic, Avalanche, and Volition, including Smith’s long-time collaborator, Ricardo Bare.
Vision and Ambitions
The name Black Pony Immersive hints at the studio’s mission: to craft imaginative first-person action RPGs set in intricately designed worlds. The focus will be on emergent game systems that empower players to tackle challenges in their own unique ways. While some might interpret this as a contemporary take on the immersive sim genre, Smith and his team are keenly aware of the current state of the industry and have chosen a more elaborate approach to articulate their vision.
Black Pony’s website reflects this ambition with a polished corporate mission statement that captures the essence of their creative aspirations. It reads, “Through the looking glass, we’re chasing a dream of mystery, meaning, and creative play.” This phrase pays homage to the legendary Looking Glass Studios, the pioneering force behind classics like Ultima Underworld, System Shock, and Thief. In doing so, Smith is not just making a statement; he is signaling a commitment to the legacy of immersive storytelling and gameplay.
The closure of Arkane Austin in 2024, following the disappointing performance of Redfall, came as a shock to many, including Smith, who reflected on the studio’s past achievements and the promising projects that were abruptly halted. There remains a glimmer of hope that some of the creative ideas from that period may find new life within Black Pony Immersive.
While specific details about Black Pony’s inaugural project remain under wraps, the website offers tantalizing hints that may provide insights into their direction. For those eager to delve deeper, a fascinating discussion from a few years ago featuring Smith, Bare, and fellow immersive sim veterans Warren Spector, Tom Francis, and Steve Gaynor is available, shedding light on the complexities of crafting some of PC gaming’s most intricate experiences.
