Black Pony Immersive: new studio from Arkane Austin veterans

In short

• Black Pony Immersive has been founded by former Arkane Austin developers, including Harvey Smith, Ben Horne, and Ricardo Bare.
• The studio aims to avoid Redfall’s mistakes and return to the core of immersive games like Deus Ex and Dishonored.
• Harvey Smith has discussed the challenges of Redfall’s development, highlighting the influence of the games-as-a-service model.

GAME-scanner analysis

The founding of Black Pony Immersive on August 22, 2026 by Arkane Austin veterans, including the well-known Harvey Smith, marks a significant shift in the gaming industry. The studio aims to take the lessons of Redfall to heart, a title that was criticized for its games-as-a-service approach. This could signal a refreshing change at a time when many studios are focused on ongoing monetization, often at the expense of the gameplay experience.

What does this mean for players?

For gamers, the creation of Black Pony Immersive could mean the return of deep, story-driven experiences that once captivated them. The founders have made it clear that they want to focus on the quality and creative freedom needed to make immersive games. This could result in titles more in line with the expectations of fans of Deus Ex and Dishonored, and may pave the way for innovative gameplay and narrative depth.