Veteran game designers launch Black Pony Immersive to revive immersive sims

Former Arkane Austin head Harvey Smith and longtime collaborator Ben Horne announced the creation of Black Pony Immersive, a studio focused on immersive simulation games. Based in Austin, Texas, the team includes veterans from Insomniac, Epic, Avalanche, Volition and other studios, and has hired Ricardo Bare, the creative director behind Redfall, Prey and Dishonored, as its design director. Smith, celebrated for designing the original Deus Ex and co-heading the Dishonored franchise, emphasized a commitment to single-player experiences that encourage creative problem solving.

The launch comes as the industry grapples with widespread layoffs and rumors of Xbox considering the shutdown of Arkane Studios. Black Pony’s website references the legacy of Looking Glass Studios, underscoring its ambition to revive the classic immersive-sim ethos.