Harvey Smith, the veteran designer behind early entries in the Deus Ex and Dishonored franchises and former head of Arkane Austin, has launched Black Pony Immersive alongside fellow studio alumni. The new Austin-based outfit will focus on first-person action RPGs, continuing the immersive sim tradition that defined much of Smith's career. Smith brings over three decades of industry experience to the venture, joined by collaborators including Ben Horne, another ex-Arkane developer.
The departure comes as Arkane Austin itself faced significant disruption following Microsoft's acquisition of parent company ZeniMax. Black Pony Immersive represents a consolidation of veteran talent and a commitment to the design philosophy - layered, player-driven gameplay in immersive sims - that Smith helped establish at Arkane.
- Smith and ex-Arkane colleagues are striking out independently to develop first-person action RPGs under their own banner.
- The studio draws its leadership from creators with decades of institutional knowledge in the immersive sim space, a niche that has limited mainstream output in recent years.
- Black Pony Immersive's formation reflects ongoing industry instability in the post-Microsoft acquisition landscape.
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AllKeyShop
· Aug 21, 04:04 UTC
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The Genesis of Black Pony Immersive Harvey Smith has returned to active development following the 2024 closure of Arkane Austin. The veteran director announced the formation of Black Pony Immersive alongside executive producer Ben Horne. Sm…
Thesixthaxis
· Aug 20, 13:21 UTC
Former Arkane Austin devs found Black Pony Immersive to make more immersive sims
Former Arkane Austin studio head and a lead creator on the early Deus Ex and Dishonored series, has announced the founding of Black Pony Immersive. The new studio will be based in Austin, Texas, has a core team of fellow ex-Arkane developer…
KitGuru
· Aug 20, 12:30 UTC
Ex-Arkane veterans announce new studio dedicated to immersive sims
Immersive sim icon and ex-Arkane head Harvey Smith has announced the opening of a brand new studio: Black Pony Immersive. The post Ex-Arkane veterans announce new studio dedicated to immersive sims first appeared on KitGuru .
PowerUp
· Aug 20, 00:15 UTC
Black Pony Immersive is a new development studio from former Arkane Austin talent
Black Pony Immersive is the new home for developers Harvey Smith and Ben Horne. Previously at Arkane Austin and having worked on Dishonored and Deus Ex, Smith has more than 30 years of experience in the industry. Horne and Smith are joined…
Game Developer
· Aug 19, 16:35 UTC
Harvey Smith and fellow Arkane Austin veterans announce a new studio, Black Pony Immersive
Black Pony Immersive will design and develop first-person action RPGs.