Harvey Smith, the veteran game developer known for his work on Deus Ex, Dishonored, and Prey, has announced the formation of a new independent studio, Black Pony Immersive. The news comes nearly two years after Microsoft shut down Arkane Austin in May 2024, a closure that displaced 96 developers, including Smith who served as studio head.
Smith is co-founding the venture with Ben Horne, a former colleague from Arkane. The announcement marks Smith’s return to public view after a period of quiet following the studio’s dissolution.
Industry Context and Timing
The new studio launches during a period of significant contraction in the video game sector. Speaking about the timing, Smith acknowledged the challenging landscape, stating, “We chose the worst time in history.” The comment reflects the ongoing wave of layoffs and studio closures that have affected major publishers and independent developers alike since 2023.
Despite the difficult environment, the founders are moving forward with the project. Black Pony Immersive is positioned as an independent entity, a departure from the corporate structure Smith operated under at ZeniMax and Microsoft.
Career Background
Smith’s career spans several influential titles in the immersive simulation genre. He contributed to the original Deus Ex and later directed Dishonored and its sequel at Arkane Studios. His portfolio includes work on Prey and other projects that have defined the studio’s reputation for player-driven gameplay and systemic world design.
The Closure of Arkane Austin
The closure of Arkane Austin in May 2024 was part of a broader restructuring at Microsoft’s Bethesda division. The company shuttered multiple studios, citing a need to refocus resources on high-priority projects. The decision was met with widespread criticism from industry peers and players, given Arkane’s critical acclaim despite mixed commercial performance.
New Studio Plans
Details regarding Black Pony Immersive’s first project have not been disclosed. The founders have not confirmed a specific game title, platform, or release window. The studio’s focus, as indicated by its name, is expected to remain within the immersive simulation space, a genre where both Smith and Horne have extensive experience.
The company is starting with a small team, a deliberate choice intended to preserve creative control and agility. This structure offers a contrast to the large-scale, multi-team production models common at major publishers.
Financial and Operational Details
No public information is available regarding the studio’s funding sources or investor backing. The announcement did not specify whether the team is working remotely or from a dedicated office location. The founders have also not commented on hiring plans beyond the initial core group.
Broader Industry Relevance
The launch of Black Pony Immersive serves as a case study in post-corporate development. For industry observers, it provides an example of how senior talent is responding to consolidation and cost-cutting measures across the sector. The move aligns with a trend of veteran developers leaving major publishers to pursue independent projects with lower overhead.
The success or failure of the studio will be watched closely, as it may signal the viability of independent studios in a market dominated by blockbuster budgets and established intellectual properties.
Next Steps and Outlook
Harvey Smith has stated that the studio will be ready to reveal more details in the coming months. Potential announcements regarding staffing, a first project, or a publishing partner are expected before the end of the year. For now, the studio is operational and proceeding with initial development activities.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
