Black Pony Immersive: Arkane veterans create new studio for innovative RPGs

In brief

• Black Pony Immersive has been founded by Harvey Smith and Ben Horne, both with a long history at Arkane Studios.
• The studio is focused on developing first-person action RPGs that push the boundaries of player immersion.
• Based in Austin, Texas, the studio already has plans for an as-yet-unannounced game.

GAME-scanner analysis

The founding of Black Pony Immersive by Harvey Smith and Ben Horne marks a significant development in the games industry. Smith, known as co-creative director of the successful Dishonored series, has a proven track record in creating immersive worlds. Horne, who worked on titles such as Redfall, brings valuable experience to the team. The studio’s focus on immersive sims, a genre that has recently regained attention, could lead to fresh gameplay experiences. This is especially relevant now that Arkane Austin has been closed, leaving room for new ideas and approaches in gaming.

What does this mean for players?

For gamers, the creation of Black Pony Immersive offers the chance for new, innovative experiences that go beyond current industry trends. With an emphasis on authentic gameplay and a clear rejection of NFTs, players can look forward to titles that are not only visually appealing, but also offer deep narratives and gameplay. The expertise of Smith and Horne could result in games that let players create their own stories within richly detailed, interactive worlds.