The Unexpected Closure of Arkane Austin
The closure of Arkane Austin earlier this year was a deeply felt loss within the gaming community, particularly among fans of the immersive sim genre. This unexpected shutdown left many disheartened, as Arkane had cultivated a reputation for groundbreaking narrative-driven experiences.
Raphael Colantonio’s Perspective
In a recent interview with PC Gamer, Raphael Colantonio, who founded Arkane and departed the company in 2017, offered a nuanced view of the closure. “It’s sad, of course,” Colantonio acknowledged. “They still had a lot of friends there, and I wanted to see our games going forever, for obvious reasons. But the company is gone, but not the people. The people survive.”
Historical Analogies in the Gaming Industry
Colantonio drew parallels with other historic game studios to illustrate his point. He cited Looking Glass Studios, the original creators of the immersive sim genre who released seminal games like Ultima Underworld, System Shock, and Thief before closing in 2000. Despite its closure, the legacy of Looking Glass lived on, inspiring the foundation of Arkane and other studios. Similarly, he mentioned Black Isle Studios, which closed in 2003 but whose spirit continues through the works of Brian Fargo, Troika, and Obsidian.
The Future of Immersive Sims
Notably, Colantonio remains optimistic about the future of immersive sims. He pointed out that Arkane still operates in Lyon and that significant figures like himself, Harvey Smith, and Ricardo Bare are still active in the industry. Colantonio himself founded WolfEye Studios in 2019 and returned to the genre with the critically acclaimed Weird West in 2022. “We’re doing more with WolfEye,” he said. “And I’m sure they’re going to do their own stuff as well. Sometimes you need a renewal, a new impulse.”
Concluding Thoughts
While the closure of Arkane Austin marks a sad chapter, it does not spell the end for the immersive sim genre. Colantonio’s insights signal that such closures often pave the way for new beginnings and innovations, keeping the spirit of the genre very much alive.
