**Black Pony Immersive: A Fresh Chapter for Immersive Sims**
Recently, Harvey Smith, co-creator of *Dishonored*, along with Ben Horne, ex-production director at Arkane, unveiled the launch of a new game studio called Black Pony Immersive. With a distinct vision to develop an immersive sim that pays homage to classics like *Deus Ex*, *Thief*, *Prey*, and *System Shock*, the pair seeks to rejuvenate a genre that has faced declining support from publishers.
**Founding Black Pony Immersive**
The inception of Black Pony Immersive was sparked by the closure of Arkane Austin by Microsoft in 2024, leaving Smith and Horne disheartened yet determined about their future. They quickly came to a consensus, with Horne suggesting the formation of a studio. After a year of negotiations and fundraising efforts, they successfully gathered the resources to form a 26-member team dedicated to realizing their vision.
The initial fundraising effort was tough, as potential investors were predominantly interested in rapid returns and fixated on emerging technologies such as NFTs and AI. Smith and Horne stayed firm in their dedication to their principles, ultimately adjusting their strategy to locate partners who shared their vision.
**Managing Budget Limitations**
With significantly lower budgets than during their time with Bethesda, Smith emphasized the resourceful spirit of their new endeavor. The team operates entirely remotely, tackling the practical difficulties that come with limited resources, even regarding basic items like chairs. Despite these challenges, Smith and Horne are committed to drawing lessons from the historic achievements of teams like Looking Glass and Ion Storm, aiming to produce something remarkable within the immersive sim realm.
**Modesty and Aspirations**
Confronted with possible obstacles, Smith acknowledges the delicate balance between aspiration and arrogance when venturing on their own. Past setbacks have imparted valuable insights that shape their mission. He characterizes their objective not as hubris, but as defiance—a bold act of hope against the challenges faced in the industry.
**A Guiding Influence**
The announcement of Black Pony Immersive took place around the time of Warren Spector’s retirement, a celebrated figure in the immersive sim community and a mentor to Smith. This timing was significant, representing both a loss and a new frontier within the genre. Smith conveyed his appreciation for Spector’s mentorship, acknowledging the challenging balance of honoring a career while grieving its conclusion.
**Leaving a Lasting Impression**
One of Smith’s primary goals is to develop games that deeply connect with players, remaining in their minds long after completion. He shares a heartfelt story about a couple who themed their wedding around *Dishonored*, illustrating the deep bond players can have with well-crafted narratives and characters. This devotion to creating meaningful experiences is central to Smith and Horne’s ethos at Black Pony Immersive.
**Cultivating Mystery in Gameplay**
Although specific information about their forthcoming project is still undisclosed, Smith is eager to introduce an element of mystery and exploration into gaming. He takes cues from games like *Inscryption* and *Elden Ring*, which revitalized the gaming scene with their sense of wonder and exploration. Smith aims to create a game that stirs deep emotions and remains a topic of discussion among players for years to come.
Their vision is evident: to restore the enchantment of immersive sims and forge an unforgettable experience that resonates with players on a personal level. As Black Pony Immersive sets forth on this endeavor, the gaming community looks forward to what this enthusiastic team will manifest.
