Harvey Smith, a veteran in the industry, is best known for his work as creative director on the Dishonored series. His most recent project, Redfall at Arkane Austin Studios, was shut down yesterday by Microsoft Gaming as part of their new strategy for Bethesda.
Smith took to the X social network to react to the studio’s closure in a series of heartfelt messages, aiming to bring hope to those who lost their jobs and are now looking to start a new chapter in their lives.
“I just want to say that I love all the people at Arkane Austin so much. We’ve been through so much together, good times and bad. Of course, today’s news is terrible for everyone. Your talent will carry you through and I will do everything I can to help.”
Reflecting on his 16 years at Arkane, Smith acknowledges the special place the studio holds in his heart. He expresses pride in the team and culture they built, emphasizing their shared passion and hard work.
Looking ahead, Smith plans to focus on helping his colleagues find new opportunities before embarking on the next phase of his own career. Amidst the chaos, he received a call from Raphael Colantonio, Arkane’s founder who left to start WolfEye Studios. Colantonio made a point to connect with the people who worked on various projects over the years, highlighting the importance of camaraderie in their work.
Smith is grateful for the friendships that will endure and looks forward to reuniting with many of his former colleagues. He extends his thanks to the teams at Arkane Lyon, Bethesda, id, TangoGameworks, and MachineGames, choosing to focus on the positive memories rather than the negativity surrounding the recent events.
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