Dishonored Director: Big-Budget Immersive Sims Still Have Room

Ever feel like the golden age of immersive sims is behind us? Think again. Harvey Smith, the director behind Dishonored, believes there's still a place for big-budget immersive sims in today's gaming landscape.

In a recent statement, Smith shared his optimism, saying, 'When it really comes together and it has the budget behind it and the team, you end up with Deus Ex or Dishonored.' That's a pretty strong vote of confidence from someone who knows the genre inside out.

Immersive sims—games that prioritize player choice, systemic gameplay, and emergent storytelling—have given us classics like Deus Ex and Dishonored. But in recent years, many fans have worried that rising development costs and risk-averse publishers might spell the end for these ambitious titles. Smith's comments suggest that's not necessarily the case.

He's not just talking the talk, either. Smith is set to go head-to-head with another legend of the genre: Randy Smith, the designer behind Thief. The two will face off in what's being called a debate, though details are still scarce. It's sure to be a fascinating clash of ideas between two veterans who've shaped the immersive sim as we know it.

For players, this is more than just industry chatter. It's a reminder that the games we love—the ones that trust us to find our own path, to experiment, and to fail spectacularly—can still exist on a grand scale. Smith's words offer hope that publishers and developers haven't given up on them.

Of course, whether we actually see more big-budget immersive sims depends on a lot of factors. But with passionate advocates like Smith championing the cause, the future looks a little brighter. So what do you think? Are you ready for another wave of immersive sims, or has the genre's time passed? Let us know in the comments!