Reflector Entertainment Cuts 18% of Workforce Following Mixed Reception of Unknown 9: Awakening

The Montreal-based studio cites a lack of roles for ongoing projects as the reason for layoffs, offering support to affected employees.

Reflector Entertainment, owned by Bandai Namco, has laid off 18% of its workforce one month after releasing its debut game, Unknown 9: Awakening.
The studio states the decision was driven by a lack of roles aligned with its current development phase, not external pressures or the game's commercial performance.
Affected employees, including those in art, narrative, marketing, and QA, are being provided severance packages, medical support, and career planning resources.
Unknown 9: Awakening launched to mixed reviews, earning a 59% Metacritic score and struggling with low player engagement across platforms.
The studio is now focusing on refining two new projects in their early development stages, aiming for greater efficiency and alignment of team skillsets.