Immersive Sim
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Synths, impossible physics, and an "erotic experience with a PS5 controller" - the side projects of game devs are a reminder creativity is undimmable
This article highlights the undimmable nature of human creativity through the lens of game developers' personal side projects. Despite industry pressures, developers are pursuing diverse creative outlets, from interactive fiction and VR experiences to physical art and hardware experiments, demonstrating a persistent drive to create for its own sake.
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.
"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.
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.
Former Arkane Studios leads Harvey Smith & Ben Horne launch Black Pony Immersive game studio
Former Arkane Studios leads Harvey Smith and Ben Horne have launched a new game studio called Black Pony Immersive, which will focus on developing immersive simulation games. The studio aims to push the genre's limits, drawing on their experience with titles like Dishonored and Prey. Despite acknowledging challenging market conditions, the team is committed to creating ambitious games.
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.
Dishonored Director Announces New Studio, And Fans Should Be Very Excited
Veteran game developers Harvey Smith and Ben Horne have announced the formation of Black Pony Immersive, a new studio focused on creating first-person action-RPGs in well-realized worlds. Smith, a co-creator of the Dishonored series, aims to continue the legacy of immersive sims, a genre that has seen fewer releases in recent years. The studio will be based in Austin, Texas, the same location as Arkane Studios.
"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.
Immersive sim Retrospace, aka '70s System Shock, gets an October release date plus a trailer full of funky guns and sentient black holes
The space horror immersive sim RetroSpace, developed by The Wild Gentlemen and published by Kwalee, is set to launch on October 1st, 2026. Players will take on the role of a clone janitor on a space station consumed by a sentient black hole, utilizing stealth, combat, and unique 'mutamods' to survive against mutated creatures and security systems.
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.
RetroSpace gets Nintendo Switch 2 release date, new trailer
Kwalee and The Wild Gentlemen have announced that RetroSpace will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on October 1. This disco-punk space horror game allows players to choose between stealthy survival or action-hero mutant gameplay aboard a space station consumed by a black hole. A new trailer was also released alongside the announcement.
After 44 years, legendary Deus Ex and System Shock developer Warren Spector announces his retirement from game development: "Wouldn't change a thing even if I could"
Legendary game developer Warren Spector, known for his work on Deus Ex and System Shock, has announced his retirement after 44 years in the industry. Spector cited his age as the primary reason for stepping down, expressing mixed feelings but stating he wouldn't change his career. He plans to pursue other interests like writing books, lecturing, and playing the piano.
