Unknown 9: Awakening Layoffs Hit Reflector Entertainment After Game Launch

Unknown 9: Awakening Layoffs Hit Reflector Entertainment After Game Launch

Reflector Entertainment, the Canadian studio behind Unknown 9: Awakening, has conducted layoffs affecting multiple teams.

Impact of Layoffs

Job losses spanned art, marketing, narrative, and quality assurance departments, as reported by Game Developer. One affected employee publicly announced their job search for Narrative Designer or Game Writer positions.

Game Performance and Ambitions

Unknown 9: Awakening, launched last month, received mixed Steam reviews with less than 100 player ratings. The game, published by Bandai Namco, aimed for a sci-fi adventure experience reminiscent of Assassin’s Creed and Tomb Raider, featuring secret societies and an ancient civilization.

Initially announced in 2020, the project attracted attention with its debut trailer. Co-founded by a former Assassin’s Creed Unity creative director, Reflector intended Unknown 9 as a transmedia franchise, including a podcast, graphic novel series, and web series.

Eurogamer has reached out to Bandai Namco for comment.