Dishonored co-creator Harvey Smith and former Arkane director Ben Horne have launched Black Pony Immersive, a new independent studio dedicated to developing original immersive simulation video games.

Key Points

• Black Pony Immersive is a 26-person, fully remote studio founded by Harvey Smith and Ben Horne following the 2024 closure of Arkane Austin.
• The founders secured independent, no-strings-attached funding after rejecting venture capital offers that prioritized rapid returns or specific technology trends like AI and NFTs.
• The studio aims to create immersive sims in the tradition of genre-defining titles such as Deus Ex, Thief, Prey, and System Shock.
• Smith and Horne are prioritizing creative freedom and long-term player connection over the high-budget, high-pressure constraints of AAA publishing.
• The studio’s development philosophy focuses on fostering mystery and player-driven storytelling, drawing inspiration from titles like Inscryption and Elden Ring.

Why it Matters

The formation of Black Pony Immersive represents a significant pushback against the industry trend of consolidating talent into massive, risk-averse AAA studios. By operating as a small, independent team, the founders are attempting to preserve the niche immersive sim genre while proving that creative, player-focused experiences can thrive outside of traditional corporate structures.