Two years ago, Microsoft canceled the Arkane Austin project, resulting in 96 job losses. After a long lull, some of them, including studio executives, moved on to the new Black Pony Immersive.
The company is led by Harvey Smith, who started out as quality control on System Shock, rose to lead designer on Deus Ex and director on Stealth War, was also a designer on Thief, was promoted to creative director on Dishonored, and was eventually demoted to director on Red Fall.
Ben and I chose the worst moment ever [для создания игровой студии]. Because, you know, what else can you do?
Harvey Smith, Principal, Black Pony Immersive
Another founder of Black Pony Immersive is Redfall’s production director Ben Horne. Smith also visited with Deus Ex designer Ricardo Bare. A team of 26 Americans will work remotely on the immersive simulator, or so the studio’s name suggests.