Deus Ex
News, coverage and analysis tracking Deus Ex across the outlets.
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Dishonored director Harvey Smith thinks there's still room for big-budget immersive sims: 'When it really comes together and it has the budget behind it and the team, you end up with Deus Ex or Dishonored'
Dishonored director Harvey Smith believes there is still a place for big-budget immersive sims, contrasting with Randy Smith Evergreen's view that such games should have smaller budgets. Harvey Smith argues that when executed with sufficient resources and talent, immersive sims can result in acclaimed titles like Deus Ex and Dishonored, though he acknowledges the need to right-size budgets and avoid overly conservative design.
No Law Looks Like the Deus Ex Successor I’ve Been Waiting For
The game No Law is being discussed as a potential successor to the Deus Ex series. The article suggests that No Law embodies the qualities fans have been looking for in a new title.
Blending Deus Ex with Escape from Butcher Bay, Deficit is one of the best-feeling indie immersive sims I've played—even if the stealth system needs serious work
Deficit, an upcoming immersive sim from Item42, offers a highly physical and satisfying combat experience reminiscent of The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay, with impactful melee and reactive environments. While the game draws clear inspiration from Deus Ex, its stealth mechanics are currently problematic and require significant improvement. Despite these issues, the demo is playable and showcases strong potential for the full release.
No Law was one of the most exciting games I saw at Gamescom year: a cyberpunk immersive sim that solves one of Deus Ex's biggest problems
No Law is an upcoming first-person immersive sim set in a European-inspired cyberpunk world, developed by Neon Giant. The game aims to address long-standing genre issues by rewarding larger objectives rather than small tasks, allowing for diverse playstyles. Players control Grey Harkner, a retired military man drawn back into conflict, in a city that blends futuristic technology with aged architecture and persistent greenery.
A multi-month delay for Deus Ex turned into a huge payoff for one of its best characters, says designer Harvey Smith
Designer Harvey Smith shared how a multi-month delay for Deus Ex significantly improved the game by allowing for expanded character development, particularly for the NPC Gunther Hermann. Initially, Hermann had a minor role with no closure, but the extra time enabled his integration into key missions and a more impactful narrative arc, ultimately enhancing the overall player experience.
Modern gamers spoiled by Steam will never understand the joy of a MegaPak
This article reflects on how modern gamers are spoiled by the abundance and affordability of games compared to the 1990s. It highlights the "MegaPak" compilations from Megamedia Corp as an early precursor to modern game bundles, offering a large collection of PC titles at a budget price. The author argues that while modern gaming offers more choice, the MegaPak era provided a unique, less noisy way to discover games.
Dishonored was a last-ditch effort by Arkane Studios after years of fruitless contract work, according to the game's co-creator: 'I think we had four months of money left'
Dishonored co-creator Harvey Smith revealed that the game was a last-ditch effort for Arkane Studios, which was facing financial collapse with only four months of funds remaining. The studio had been taking on various contract work, but ultimately decided to focus on their passion project, which became a critical and commercial success. This experience solidified Smith's belief in pursuing creative passion, a principle he is applying to his new studio, Black Pony Immersive.
"Do questions like that create a self-fulfilling prophecy?”: Dishonored director Harvey Smith on the fear of asking if immersive sims are dead
Dishonored director Harvey Smith, alongside fellow leads Ben Horne and Ricardo Bare, discusses the current state and future of immersive sims. Smith questions whether the constant questioning of the genre's viability creates a self-fulfilling prophecy, while Horne emphasizes focusing on creative vision rather than chasing trends. They acknowledge the success of titles like BioShock and Deus Ex, and Smith pushes back against the notion that first-person games don't sell.
Former Arkane vets' new studio isn't going to try 'trend chasing', and in hindsight, thank God
Harvey Smith and Ben Horne, former Arkane developers, have founded a new studio called Black Pony Immersive. They aim to avoid chasing industry trends and instead focus on creating immersive sim games that excite them and their target audience, citing the continued cultural and financial success of titles like BioShock and Dishonored as evidence of the genre's viability.
Deus Ex and Dishonored designer Harvey Smith has a new studio making immersive sims
Harvey Smith, known for his work on Deus Ex and Dishonored, has co-founded a new studio called Black Pony Immersive. The studio aims to create immersive simulation games and features veteran talent from Arkane Studios, Insomniac Games, and Epic Games.
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.
"Think Deus Ex, think Dishonored, that's what we're doing": Former Arkane devs reveal new studio dedicated to making single-player immersive sims
Former Arkane developers Harvey Smith and Ben Horne have founded a new studio called Black Pony Immersive, dedicated to creating single-player immersive simulation games. The studio aims to recapture the spirit of titles like Deus Ex and Dishonored, bringing together a team of experienced developers who were affected by recent industry layoffs.
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.
Dishonored, Deus Ex Designer Stars New Studio to Continue Focusing on Immersive Sims
Veteran game developer Harvey Smith, formerly of Arkane Austin, has founded a new studio called Black Pony Immersive. The studio will focus on the immersive sim genre, continuing Smith's work on titles like Dishonored and Deus Ex. The team includes several former Arkane Austin developers.
"We chose the worst time in history" – Harvey Smith on starting his own studio after Arkane
Former Arkane Studios director Harvey Smith has co-founded a new studio called Black Pony Immersive with Ben Horne, aiming to create immersive sim games. Smith acknowledges the challenging timing for starting a new studio due to the current game business landscape but expresses a desire to build games their way, focusing on player-driven experiences and creative tools. The studio has already reunited several former Arkane colleagues and is working on its first project.
"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.
Warren Spector, founding father of immersive sims, has retired from game development
Warren Spector, the acclaimed creator of the immersive sim genre and the influential game Deus Ex, has retired from game development. Spector's career spanned decades, leaving a significant mark on the industry with his innovative design philosophies.
Industry legend Warren Spector is retiring: 'I'm feeling like I've done what I set out to do'
Industry veteran Warren Spector, known for his work on immersive sims like Deus Ex and System Shock, has announced his retirement from game development after nearly 44 years. While he has mixed feelings and ideas for future projects, Spector feels he has accomplished his goals and is ready to pursue writing, lecturing, and consulting. He also cited changes in the industry and a desire to make way for new talent as reasons for his departure.
Deus Ex And Immersive Sim Founding Father, Warren Spector, Retires From Game Development
Warren Spector, a pivotal figure in the creation of the immersive sim genre known for his work on Deus Ex and Thief, has announced his retirement from game development after a nearly 45-year career. While he has mixed feelings, Spector, aged 70, feels it's time for a new generation to innovate and plans to focus on writing books and consulting. His final game, Thick as Thieves, was released earlier this year.
Epic Mickey creator Warren Spector is 'a little bitter' that his studio isn't getting props for sparking Oswald the Lucky Rabbit's big comeback
Epic Mickey creator Warren Spector expressed frustration that his studio, Junction Point, is not receiving adequate credit for revitalizing Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Spector highlighted the significant role Oswald played in the Epic Mickey games, including giving the character a voice for the first time and introducing his paramour, Ortensia. He feels the games that reintroduced the character to the public consciousness are being overlooked ahead of an upcoming Oswald the Lucky Rabbit miniseries.
