In a candid interview, Dishonored creator Harvey Smith tackled the persistent myth that immersive simulation games are on the brink of extinction. Speaking alongside his newly appointed partners Ben Horne and Ricardo Bare, Smith explained that the genre’s perceived decline stems more from market misconceptions than a lack of creative spark.

Smith’s enthusiasm is anchored in the formation of a fresh studio built exclusively to explore the possibilities of immersive sims at a larger scale. He argues that the core appeal—player agency, systemic design, and emergent storytelling—remains as compelling as ever, provided developers receive the right resources and time to iterate.

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Drawing on lessons from the early days of Thief: The Dark Project and the recent success of titles like Deathloop, the team emphasises a balanced approach: ambitious scope paired with meticulous attention to the underlying mechanics that make each playthrough feel unique.

  • Immersive sims thrive on freedom of choice, not on linear narratives.
  • Scaling the genre to AAA budgets is challenging but achievable with dedicated focus.
  • Player feedback loops are essential for refining systemic interactions.
  • The new studio aims to prototype bold ideas before committing to full production cycles.
  • Smith believes the genre’s future lies in hybrid experiences that blend narrative depth with emergent gameplay.

Source: Rock Paper Shotgun