Full Breakdown
Harvey Smith Announces Black Pony Immersive Amid Industry Turmoil
8/19/2026, 11:57:23 PM
New Studio Launches to Revive Immersive Sim Design
Veteran game designer Harvey Smith, known for his work on the original *Deus Ex* and the *Dishonored* series, has founded Black Pony Immersive, a studio dedicated to “immersive sims.” The studio will develop narrative-rich first-person action RPGs and is staffed with long-time collaborators Ben Horne and Ricardo Bare, as well as veterans from Insomniac, Epic, Avalanche and Volition. Based in Austin, Texas, the team also includes remote contributors from across the United States. The studio’s website promises “mystery, meaning, and creative play,” echoing the legacy of Looking Glass Studios, a seminal developer of early immersive titles.
Industry Context and Warren Spector’s Retirement
The announcement arrives during a turbulent summer for the video-game sector, marked by widespread layoffs and the shutdown of Arkane Austin in 2024—an office Smith previously led. At the same time, Warren Spector, a founding figure of the immersive-sim genre and former mentor to Smith, announced his retirement after 44 years in development. Spector’s LinkedIn post highlighted age, health, and a changing industry landscape as reasons for stepping away, underscoring a perceived “hole” in the market for the type of games Black Pony aims to create.
Official Statements & Responses
The announcement also noted that Black Pony’s focus on original worlds and emergent gameplay aligns with Smith’s long-standing design philosophy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “My favorite gaming memories come from seeing players approach challenges with creativity, deep-diving into our world building,” — Harvey Smith
- “I worked closely with Warren for nine years, learning a lot,” — Harvey Smith
- “I’ve done what I set out to do” — Warren Spector
These statements capture the creators’ perspectives on creativity, mentorship, and the evolving state of immersive-sim development.
