A New Chapter: Arkane Austin Alumni Launch Black Pony Immersive
Following the turbulent closure of Arkane Austin by Microsoft in 2024, a group of seasoned developers is rising from the ashes to forge a new path in the gaming landscape. Two years after the shuttering of the studio behind the acclaimed *Dishonored* franchise, key leadership figures have officially unveiled their latest venture: Black Pony Immersive.
### The Leadership Behind the Vision
The new studio is spearheaded by industry stalwarts Harvey Smith and Ben Horne. Smith, whose pedigree includes serving as the creative director for *Dishonored 2* and *Dishonored: Death of the Outsider*, brings decades of design expertise to the CEO and creative director roles. He is joined by Ben Horne, the former production director for *Redfall*, who will serve as the company’s COO and executive producer.
The pair shares a long history of collaboration, having spent years refining their craft within the walls of Arkane Austin before the studio’s unexpected dissolution.
### Strategic Foundations and Studio Philosophy
While the public announcement is fresh, Black Pony Immersive has been quietly operating since August 2025. This stealthy launch period allowed the team to solidify their vision before stepping into the spotlight.
“In an era defined by industry instability, I am thrilled to share the next chapter of my career,” Smith stated. “This studio is a culmination of our collective experience and the values we prioritize in game development.”
The studio is currently comprised of 26 dedicated professionals. According to Horne, the team is intentionally structured to focus on their core passion: the immersive sim genre. By leveraging a team that has worked together for years-and in some instances, decades-they aim to bypass the typical “growing pains” of a startup and dive straight into high-concept development.
### The Future of Immersive Sims
The formation of Black Pony Immersive arrives at a critical juncture for the gaming industry. With major publishers frequently consolidating or cutting costs, the rise of independent studios founded by veteran talent has become a vital trend. This shift mirrors the broader industry movement toward smaller, agile teams capable of delivering high-fidelity experiences without the overhead of massive corporate structures.
As the studio begins its journey, the gaming community is watching closely to see how this team will apply their signature “immersive sim” design philosophy-characterized by player agency, environmental storytelling, and complex systemic interactions-to new intellectual properties.
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