Dishonored 2
News, coverage and analysis tracking Dishonored 2 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
"Arkane was about to go under" before it committed to Dishonored, former lead says: "We had 4 months of…
Former Arkane Studios lead designer Harvey Smith revealed that the studio was close to closure before committing to the development of Dishonored. The studio was working on multiple projects with dwindling funds before refocusing on the immersive sim, which became a critical and commercial success. Smith has since co-founded a new studio, Black Pony Immersive, to continue making single-player immersive sim 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.
"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.
Thief designer says that the immersive sim audience is too small for AAA games: 'There's quite a few of us who…
Designer Randy Smith Evergreen, known for his work on Thief and System Shock 2, argues that the immersive sim genre is too small for AAA development. He believes that the increasing budgets and scope required for AAA games are misaligned with the niche audience for immersive sims, leading to commercial disappointments like Arkane's Dishonored 2 and Prey. Evergreen suggests that a more viable path for immersive sims is through smaller, AA or indie budgets, citing the original Thief's modest budget as a successful model.
10 expansions that were better than the actual game
This article ranks ten DLC expansions that are considered superior to their original base games. Titles like Dishonored's 'The Knife of Dunwall and The Brigmore Witches,' Fallout: New Vegas's 'Old World Blues,' and Mass Effect 3's 'Citadel' are highlighted for their significant improvements and compelling content.
How much RAM do you need for an 'ultimate gaming machine?' July in PC Gamer 10, 20, and 30 years ago
This article looks back at past issues of PC Gamer magazine from July 1996, 2006, and 2016, highlighting discussions on RAM, PC hardware, and notable game releases and previews. It contrasts the hardware recommendations of the past with current standards and reflects on the evolution of gaming technology, including the rise and fall of VR excitement and the challenges of launching new multiplayer FPS titles.
Going from skull-cracker to safecracker in Dishonored 2
The author recounts their experience attempting a no-kill, no-detection playthrough of Dishonored 2 after a chaotic first attempt in the original game. Despite challenges, including a difficult puzzle in the Clockwork Mansion, they ultimately succeeded after 40 hours, reflecting on the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles peacefully.
'Regarding Arkane… how much?' — Xbox is falling apart and as thousands more are hit with layoffs, I think it's time for someone to save the Dishonored and Marvel's Blade developer before it's too late
Amidst widespread layoffs and studio closures at Xbox, there are concerns about the future of Arkane Studios. The article argues for Arkane's acquisition by another company to preserve its legacy of acclaimed titles like Dishonored and Prey, and to ensure the completion of its current project, Marvel's Blade.
Arkane Founder Asks Xbox How Much the Studio Would Cost “For a Friend”
Arkane Studios founder Raphael Colantonio humorously inquired about the acquisition cost of the studio from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma. This comes amid Xbox's recent layoffs and studio restructuring, which has put Arkane under review. Colantonio has previously criticized Xbox's Game Pass model as unsustainable.
Arkane temporarily spared in Xbox bloodbath thanks to French law, but its future is up in the air
Arkane Lyon is reportedly entering negotiations for an independent exit from Xbox due to French labor laws, which prevent immediate layoffs. While the studio's future, including the development of Marvel's Blade, is uncertain, these laws offer a different path compared to the abrupt closures of other Xbox studios like Arkane Austin. Negotiations could still result in significant layoffs at Arkane Lyon.
Dishonored dev defends loading screens: 'I actually have a soft spot for all that'
Arkane Studios co-creative director Harvey Smith defended the use of loading screens in Dishonored, expressing a fondness for the breaks between areas and the ability to display world-building tips. He noted that ideas from the original game, such as a character needing to retrieve a marked hand, were re-contextualized in Dishonored 2. The discussion occurred during a developer playthrough stream of the 'Lady Boyle's Last Party' mission.
Time to Wake Up is an eye-catching puzzle adventure where your surroundings shift with every blink
Time to Wake Up is a first-person puzzle adventure where players can blink to shift between two variants of the same surreal dreamscape, a mechanic reminiscent of games like Dishonored 2 and Titanfall 2. Developed by Eye Blink Twice, the game uses this core mechanic for exploration and puzzle-solving, with a demo available on Steam. While not outright horror, the game incorporates unsettling imagery and hints at darker themes as it progresses towards its full release later this year.
Thick as Thieves Review – A Return to the Metal Ages
Thick as Thieves is a short but ambitious first-person stealth game that draws inspiration from classics like the Thief series. It features a gameplay loop similar to extraction shooters, where players must infiltrate levels, loot items, and complete objectives without being detected, as combat is not a viable option. Despite its limited scope and some missing basic features, the game's addictive stealth mechanics, intricate level design, and low price point make it a recommendable experience, especially for fans of the genre.
Xbox Game Pass "starter edition" now officially bundled with Discord Nitro memberships, with more benefits coming soon
Xbox Game Pass has officially partnered with Discord Nitro, offering a starter edition of the subscription service to eligible Nitro members. This collaboration also includes deeper integration within Discord, allowing users to easily access and try Game Pass titles. Separately, a debate is ongoing in California regarding consumer protection law AB 1921, which aims to ensure offline access or refunds for games when online services cease, with the ESA opposing it and consumer groups like Stop Killing Games supporting it.
"Game Pass Starter Edition" For Discord Nitro Members Leaks
A leak suggests that Discord Nitro members will soon receive a 'Game Pass Starter Edition' offering over 50 games and 10 hours of Xbox Cloud streaming per month. The leaked art also indicates titles like Gears 5, Dishonored 2, and Fallout 4 could be included. Microsoft has been contacted for comment regarding this potential new tier of Game Pass.
Microsoft Gaming CEO Seemingly Plans New Game Pass Subscription Tier
Microsoft Gaming is reportedly considering a new, more affordable subscription tier for Xbox Game Pass, potentially featuring only first-party titles. CEO Asha Sharma expressed concerns about the current price point being too high for players and indicated plans to evolve the service into a more flexible system. A rumored tier codenamed "Triton" has been spotted in data, suggesting a lower-cost option with games from Xbox Game Studios.
Crimson Desert is "opposite" to most open-world games because the "magic kicks in" later, says Arkane Lyon boss: "Might be why so many find investing time in it rewarding"
Arkane Lyon studio director Dinga Bakaba believes Crimson Desert's slower early-game pacing, which introduces new mechanics gradually, is key to its rewarding player experience. He contrasts this with games that front-load content, suggesting Crimson Desert's 'friction' makes it 'sticky' in an era of fast consumption. While some players find this approach engaging, others prefer games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
New Game Pass Subscription Tier Seemingly Spotted Online
A new, lower-priced Game Pass tier codenamed 'Triton' has been spotted in data files, reportedly intended for first-party Xbox Game Studios titles. This potential tier would include games like DOOM Eternal, Gears 5, and Halo 5. Microsoft is also reportedly exploring combining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, with potential price increases across tiers.
Game Pass Might Get New Subscription Tier With Only Xbox Game Studios Titles – Rumor
A rumor suggests Microsoft is planning a new, lower-priced Game Pass tier codenamed 'Triton' that would exclusively feature titles from Xbox Game Studios. This potential tier aims to attract a broader customer base by focusing solely on first-party content. The article also touches on past criticisms of Game Pass price increases and potential partnerships with services like Netflix.
Dataminers suggest Xbox is about to launch a neutered Game Pass tier with only first-party games
Dataminers have uncovered evidence suggesting Xbox is planning to introduce a new, more limited tier for its Game Pass subscription service. This tier would reportedly only offer access to older first-party Microsoft titles, excluding day-one releases, and is codenamed 'TRION'.