Exciting news for VR and XR enthusiasts as some of the most talented industry veterans in the business have come together to form a new studio, Black Pony Immersive. Led by none other than Harvey Smith, creative director behind the critically acclaimed Dishonored series, this team is poised to shake things up with their ambitious first-person action RPGs.
The brainchild of Smith and fellow Arkane Austin veteran Ben Horne, Black Pony Immersive has been secretly working on its first project since August 2025. The studio boasts a talented roster of 26 full-time employees, including industry heavyweights like Ricardo Bare, who worked alongside Smith on the Deus Ex series. This impressive team brings with them decades of experience from studios such as Insomniac, Avalanche, Volition, and Epic.
What sets Black Pony apart is its commitment to creating immersive, narrative-rich experiences that draw from the team’s expertise in emergent game mechanics. Their current project, which remains unannounced for now, promises to be a single-player powerhouse that will challenge players in new and exciting ways. “We’re purpose-built to make the ambitious games we love – immersive sims,” Horne explained, hinting at the studio’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in VR.
The fact that Black Pony Immersive was able to form without external funding or approval is a testament to Smith and Horne’s vision and determination. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, they revealed the challenges they faced during the fundraising process, turning down deals that compromised their artistic integrity. “We didn’t want to get caught up in gimmicks like NFTs and blockchain,” Horne said. “We wanted to do it right, even if it meant starting from scratch.”
Black Pony Immersive’s arrival on the VR scene is a significant development for enthusiasts who crave innovative, immersive experiences. With their focus on narrative-driven gameplay and emergent mechanics, this studio has the potential to revolutionize the medium. As VR continues to evolve at breakneck speed, it’s exciting to think about what Black Pony will bring to the table – and when.
For fans of immersive gaming, this is a momentous occasion. The formation of Black Pony Immersive marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in VR’s evolution. With its talented team and commitment to innovative storytelling, this studio promises to deliver experiences that will leave players breathless. As we look forward to their first project, one thing is certain: the future of VR has never looked brighter.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-08-19