Dishonored was a last-ditch effort by Arkane Studios after years of fruitless contract work, according to the game’s co-creator: ‘I think we had four months of money left’
Former Arkane Austin head Harvey Smith recently announced the formation of Black Pony Immersive, a new studio dedicated to developing immersive simulation games in the tradition of classics like Deus Ex and System Shock. The announcement mirrors Smith’s prior experience at Arkane Studios, where his risk-taking with an unconventional genre proved remarkably successful.
According to Smith, Arkane Studios operated under severe financial constraints while developing Dishonored, with the studio having approximately four months of remaining funds when the project began. Despite the commercial uncertainty surrounding immersive sims, Dishonored became both a critical and commercial success, ultimately establishing Arkane’s reputation as the modern guardian of the immersive sim genre.
Smith’s decision to found a new studio dedicated specifically to immersive simulations suggests continued faith in the genre’s commercial viability, even as broader industry concerns persist about whether niche, mechanics-focused experiences can achieve sustained success. The Dishonored case study demonstrates that intelligent design and creative vision can overcome skepticism about a genre’s commercial prospects, offering a precedent for Smith’s renewed commitment to immersive sim development.