Why This Game Dev Calls Making Hopeful Games 'An Act of Rebellion'

Ever feel like games are missing something? Like they're all about violence, gloom, or just mindless fun, but rarely anything that leaves you feeling genuinely hopeful? You're not alone. Harvey Smith, the co-creator of the new studio Black Pony Immersive, thinks most games are missing exactly that—and he's on a mission to change it.

In a recent chat, Smith didn't hold back. He pointed out that many games today are stuck in a rut of cynicism and despair, or they're just pure escapism without any deeper meaning. But for him, games have the power to be so much more. 'It's an act of rebellion to try to do something hopeful in times like this,' he said. That's a bold statement, especially coming from a guy who's worked on gritty franchises like Dishonored.

So why is hope so rare in games? Smith thinks it's because it's harder to craft. It's easier to make something dark and edgy, to shock or scare players, than to create something that genuinely inspires them. But he's not interested in taking the easy road. With Black Pony Immersive, he's diving into what he calls the most underserved genre—one that's ripe for innovation and fresh ideas.

He's not just talking about making games that are 'nice' or 'feel-good.' He's talking about infusing them with a sense of optimism that feels earned, not cheesy. It's about giving players a reason to believe that things can get better, even when the world feels like it's falling apart. That's a powerful message, and it's one that could resonate deeply with gamers who are tired of the same old doom and gloom.

Smith's career has been anything but predictable. From System Shock to Deus Ex, he's always pushed boundaries. Now, with Black Pony Immersive, he's setting his sights on a new challenge: proving that hopeful games can be just as compelling, if not more so, than their darker counterparts. It's a risky move, but if anyone can pull it off, it's him.

So, what does this mean for the future of gaming? If Smith's vision takes off, we might see a wave of games that dare to be optimistic. Games that challenge us not just to survive, but to thrive. Games that remind us why we fell in love with this medium in the first place.

Will you be picking up what Black Pony Immersive is putting down? Or do you think hope has no place in gaming? Let us know in the comments below!