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Harvey Smith and fellow Arkane Austin veterans announce a new studio, Black Pony Immersive
Former Arkane Austin veterans Harvey Smith and Ben Horne have announced the formation of a new studio, Black Pony Immersive. The studio, founded in August 2025, aims to create ambitious immersive sim games, drawing on the team's experience from Arkane and other studios like Insomniac and Epic Games. Black Pony Immersive is currently working on an unannounced single-player narrative-rich game.
Dishonored co-creator Harvey Smith launches a new studio and it literally has the word 'Immersive' in the name
Dishonored co-creator Harvey Smith and executive producer Ben Horne have launched a new studio named Black Pony Immersive. The studio, comprised of developers from Arkane, Insomniac, and other major companies, aims to create singleplayer first-person action RPGs with emergent gameplay systems, drawing inspiration from classic immersive sim titles.
"Through the looking glass": as Arkane fight for their future, Dishonored veteran Harvey Smith reveals new studio dedicated to immersive sims
Harvey Smith, a veteran developer from Arkane Studios, has announced the formation of Black Pony Immersive, a new studio focused on creating imaginative first-person action RPGs and immersive sims. The studio, which includes other former Arkane developers, aims to build single-player games that reward player creativity and exploration. This announcement comes during a period of industry volatility, with Microsoft having recently closed Arkane Austin and currently negotiating the future of Arkane Lyon.
Red Faction: Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered review (2018)
Red Faction: Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered offers a unique open-world experience centered around its groundbreaking Geo-mod destruction physics. While the driving, shooting, and story are uninspired, the ability to strategically demolish buildings remains a compelling and influential gameplay mechanic. This re-mastered edition includes reworked textures, improved lighting, and native 4K support for PC.
What the heck are you playing at, games industry?
The article criticizes the recent surge in video game studio closures and layoffs, highlighting numerous studios shut down by major publishers like Ubisoft, EA, Embracer, Sony, and Microsoft. It questions the business strategies of these publishers, particularly Microsoft's handling of Ninja Theory and the high development cost of Xbox exclusives like Gears of War E-Day, while also pointing to the industry's pursuit of live services and infinite growth over sustainable development.
Underrated PS5 Open World Action Game 75% Off on PS Store
The 2022 open-world action-adventure game Saints Row is currently 75% off on the PlayStation Store for both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. Developed by the now-defunct Volition, the game is available for $7.49, with its Expansion Pass also on sale. This limited-time deal ends on Thursday, May 28.
Deus Ex and TimeSplitters games teased as Embracer Group does more restructuring
Embracer Group is restructuring and exploring external partnerships for its less prominent game franchises, including Deus Ex and TimeSplitters. This comes after the company previously cancelled new installments in these series and shut down studios like Free Radical Design. The conglomerate aims to capitalize on IPs such as Saints Row, Legacy Of Kain, Red Faction, and Thief, while its core AAA IPs like Tomb Raider and The Lord Of The Rings will be managed by a new entity called Fellowship Entertainment.
The 10 best GTA clones to play while you wait for GTA 6
This article lists ten "GTA clone" games that players can enjoy while waiting for the release of Grand Theft Auto 6. It highlights various titles from different eras and platforms, discussing their similarities and differences to the Grand Theft Auto series.
"They've ghosted me": Saints Row design director says he believes the series is "dead" after pitching prequel
Saints Row 1 design director Chris Stockman believes the series is effectively dead after Embracer Group, the current owner, has not responded to his pitch for a prequel. Stockman, who heads VR studio Bit Planet Games, expressed that Embracer seems unable to revive the franchise and has "ghosted" him on his proposals. He remains open to licensing the series out to his studio if Embracer wishes.
"I think the franchise is dead," says Saints Row design director
Original Saints Row design director Chris Stockman believes the franchise is effectively dead, stating that Embracer Group has shown no ability to move forward with it and has ignored his proposals. His comments follow criticism of the 2022 reboot and the subsequent closure of developer Volition.
Saints Row Prequel Plans Stall as Embracer Reportedly Ignores Revival Pitch
A proposed Saints Row prequel set in the 1970s is no longer moving forward after Embracer Group reportedly ignored revival pitches. Original design director Chris Stockman revealed that communication has ceased, casting doubt on the franchise's future, especially after the mixed reception of the 2022 reboot and the closure of Volition.
How the Saints Save Christmas - Present Perfect Gaming
This review covers the Saints Row IV DLC, How the Saints Save Christmas, developed by Volition. The DLC offers a short, festive side story with Christmas movie references and familiar Saints Row humor. While repetitive at times, it provides a fun, lighthearted distraction from the main game.
Agents of Mayhem Review | Giant Bomb
Agents of Mayhem, developed by Volition, is a disappointing open-world action game that fails to live up to the legacy of the Saints Row franchise. Despite a diverse cast of unlockable characters and a robust upgrade system, the game suffers from unrewarding progression, a lifeless city, technical jank, and a relentless stream of boring mission objectives. The humor is lazy and repetitive, and the overall experience is described as boring and disappointing.
Agents of Mayhem Review
Agents of Mayhem, developed by Volition, is a disappointing open-world action game that fails to live up to the legacy of the Saints Row franchise. Despite a diverse cast of characters and a robust upgrade system, the game suffers from a lack of mission variety, a lifeless open world in Seoul, and consistently unfunny humor. Technical issues and janky gameplay further detract from the experience, making it a forgettable entry.