My Throat Remains Tender": Redfall's Harvey Smith Muses On The Conclusion Of Arkane Austin's Journey

Redfall co-director Harvey Smith has looked back on his time at Arkane, reflecting on the 16 years he spent at a company established in 1999 by "six French gentlemen sharing an office."

In a lengthy series of posts on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Smith commented following recent announcements that Microsoft plans to discontinue operations at several Bethesda studios, including Arkane Austin, which recently finished work on the vampiric team-based shooter Redfall.

Smith joined Arkane and served as co-creative director alongside the studio's president, Raphaël Colantonio, beginning in 2008. Smith contributed to notable titles such as Dishonored and Prey during his tenure. Colantonio departed the studio in 2017 to establish WolfEye Studios.

"Reflecting on the time spent there, it's been a remarkable 16 years. I am filled with a sense of pride for the games that hold a special place in my heart. Imperfect as any place may be, there was genuine care, and efforts poured in," expressed Smith.

He added, "Currently, my focus is on supporting my dear team in the next steps of their journey, navigating the aftermath. Together, we released games, enjoyed our time playing games, endured a global health crisis, and weathered numerous challenging times. Now, my energies are dedicated to them."

Smith fondly recalled the deep connections made at Arkane, not just as co-workers but as true friends.
"Just yesterday, as we offered reassurances to each other while packing up, I was surrounded by individuals who not only collaborated on Redfall, Dishonored, and Prey but also have rich histories working on immersive games like Deus Ex and Ultima, among others that personally influenced me," Smith shared.

He went on, "Understand this—apart from the vast and complex universes we crafted and the adventures we had, gaming, board games, and engaging in role-playing games have been part of our experiences for years.

"Such activities have sustained our energies and inspired our creativity," he reflected. "In those rooms, bonds were forged with people who've spent decades playing D&D, Magic: The Gathering, and similar games. Some of our most exceptional work came from these very passions."

Concluding his thoughts, Smith acknowledged, "Certainly, there were highs and lows—that's the nature of life, especially when you're one of the fortunate ones, and I laugh at that thought. The aspiration to create works that resonate with people, earn accolades, and are enjoyed by audiences worldwide is something I'll never overlook. Dedication is the hallmark across all creative professions to achieve such impact."