Defying the current gaming industry slump, the creators of Deus Ex and Dishonored have founded Black Pony Immersive to preserve the beloved Immersive Sim genre.
- Harvey Smith and Ben Horne co-launched Black Pony Immersive.
- The team includes Deus Ex designer Ricardo Bare.
- The studio focuses on the 'Immersive Sim' genre.
- The staff consists of 26 full-time members, many former Arkane employees.
In an era defined by massive studio closures and corporate restructuring, a group of industry titans is striking back. Harvey Smith, Ben Horne, and Ricardo Bare—the creative minds behind legendary titles like Deus Ex and Dishonored—have officially announced the launch of Black Pony Immersive. This new venture aims to champion the 'Immersive Sim' genre at a time when many major publishers deem such deep, complex gameplay too risky for mainstream success.
The pedigree of this team is unmatched. Their collective history spans from the foundational days of 1994’s System Shock to the groundbreaking achievements of Thief: Deadly Shadows, Prey, and the critically acclaimed Dishonored series. The formation of this studio follows the turbulent period at Arkane Austin, which was shuttered by Microsoft, leaving a void in the industry that these veterans are now eager to fill.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the current gaming landscape is heavily skewed toward live-service models and trend-chasing, often at the expense of deep, narrative-driven experiences. By operating as an independent studio, Black Pony Immersive avoids the suffocating expectations of massive conglomerates like Microsoft. This independence allows them to be 'nimble' and focus on passion-driven projects rather than chasing quarterly growth metrics through repetitive mechanics.
'When things are going pretty well, your impetus to do something crazy is very low.' — Harvey Smith
While the industry has labeled the current economic climate as the 'worst time in history' to start a studio, Smith and his team view it as the perfect moment to innovate. Having operated in secret since August 2025, the studio now boasts a dedicated staff of 26 professionals. While specific details regarding their debut title remain under wraps, the genre focus is confirmed: a pure, unadulterated Immersive Sim.
Historical Background
The Immersive Sim genre was pioneered by studios like Ion Storm, emphasizing player agency, systemic interactions, and emergent gameplay. For decades, these games have been the gold standard for RPG and stealth enthusiasts. However, as the industry moved toward broader, more predictable monetization models, the complex design requirements of Immersive Sims were often sidelined, creating a demand for a specialized studio to lead the charge once again.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are the key figures behind Black Pony Immersive?
The studio was co-founded by Harvey Smith and Ben Horne, featuring designer Ricardo Bare.
2. What kind of games will they make?
They are dedicated to creating Immersive Simulation games.
