Game developer Harvey Smith and his colleagues at a newly formed studio have pushed back against the idea that immersive sims are a dying video game genre, arguing that strong creative direction matters more than chasing industry trends.
Speaking on the state of the genre, the former Dishonored director questioned whether persistent doubts about the viability of immersive sims risk becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. Smith noted that landmark franchises such as Deus Ex, BioShock, and Dishonored have not only achieved substantial financial return but also maintained long-lasting cultural relevance over decades.
Studio co-lead Ben Horne explained that predicting industry shifts or following temporary trends is rarely effective for developers. Instead, Horne stressed that the most reliable strategy is focusing on a distinct vision that energizes both the development team and a passionate target audience.
Reflecting on his career, Smith pointed out that gaming executives have repeatedly offered flawed market predictions over the years, including assertions that first-person games or role-playing titles were unprofitable niches. He suggested that focusing on passionate, focused design ultimately disproves such skepticism.
Although high development budgets present ongoing challenges for complex, choice-driven games, recent successes in the indie space suggest that immersive sims remain viable when developed with an appropriate scope.
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