Former Arkane Austin studio director Harvey Smith, best known for his work on Dishonored, Deus Ex, and Thief: Deadly Shadows, has launched a new operation named Black Pony Immersive. Smith partnered with executive producer Ben Horne to found the studio, which was publicly detailed in August 2026.
Quick Facts
- Founders: Harvey Smith and Ben Horne
- New Studio Name: Black Pony Immersive
- Notable Team Members: Ricardo Bare and personnel from Arkane, Insomniac, Epic, Avalanche, and Volition
- Announcement Date: August 19, 2026
Studio Composition and Team
Black Pony Immersive features an elite development team built around industry veterans. Alongside Smith, the studio includes his long-time collaborator Ricardo Bare. The core roster draws from multiple prominent studios, incorporating talent previously with Arkane, Insomniac, Epic, Avalanche, and Volition.
What Remains Unknown
While the formation of Black Pony Immersive has been confirmed, the studio has not yet announced its first game title, projected release windows, target platforms, or whether the project has a publishing partner. Further details regarding the studio's initial development focus remain unannounced.