The Immersive Sim Revival: Harvey Smith and Ben Horne on the Future of First-Person Action-RPGs
In a bold move, industry veterans Harvey Smith and Ben Horne are defying conventional wisdom by creating immersive sims at their new studio, Black Pony Immersive. This genre, which has been written off as niche by some financial analysts, is getting a second wind thanks to the vision of these two game design pioneers.
Smith and Horne’s track record speaks for itself: they’ve worked on hits like Dishonored, Prey, and Deathloop at Arkane Studios. Now, with Black Pony Immersive, they’re determined to push the boundaries of what’s possible in first-person action-RPGs. “We want to make games that are truly immersive, where the player is fully invested in the world and its characters,” says Smith in a recent interview. Horne adds, “Our goal is to create experiences that are both challenging and rewarding, with a deep focus on storytelling and atmosphere.”
One of the key principles guiding Black Pony Immersive’s approach is the concept of ’emergence,’ where the player’s actions and choices shape the game world in meaningful ways. This philosophy is at the heart of immersive sims like Dishonored and Prey, which allowed players to experiment with different playstyles and approaches to problem-solving.
So what sets Black Pony Immersive apart from other studios trying to revive this genre? For one, Smith and Horne are committed to preserving the creative freedom that made Arkane Studios’ games so beloved. “We’re not beholden to any particular formula or commercial expectation,” says Horne. “Our focus is on making games that we love, and that will resonate with players who appreciate depth and complexity.”
The implications of this approach are significant: it suggests that Black Pony Immersive is willing to take risks and challenge the status quo in order to create truly innovative experiences. This is a welcome change from the more formulaic, risk-averse game development we often see today.
As VR and XR technology continues to advance, immersive sims like those envisioned by Smith and Horne are poised to become even more immersive and engaging. By pushing the boundaries of storytelling, atmosphere, and player choice, Black Pony Immersive is setting a new standard for what’s possible in first-person action-RPGs.
The future of VR/XR looks bright indeed, with pioneers like Harvey Smith and Ben Horne at the helm. As we continue to push the limits of immersion and interactivity, it’s clear that immersive sims will play a significant role in shaping the next generation of gaming experiences. Buckle up, folks – the revival of this beloved genre is just getting started!
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-10-05