Reflector Entertainment and Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe are thrilled to announce the worldwide release of Unknown 9: Awakening.
It’s a momentous day for our Montreal studio as we proudly announce the worldwide launch of our very first video game, Unknown 9: Awakening!
After countless hours of ideating, collaborating, creating, testing, and adjusting, to say we’re excited for you to step into Haroona’s shoes and join her quest is an understatement.
Our heroine is ready to step into the unknown and fulfil her destiny. Are you? Watch the action-adventure game’s cinematic launch trailer and learn more about Reflector’s journey to launch.
The Road to Release
From the initial concept to the final polish, our journey has been filled with challenges and successes, fruitful collaborations, and valuable takeaways, all fueled by our passion for telling great stories and developing creative gameplay experiences.
The rise of Unknown 9: Awakening
What started as an idea to create something more than a game has since transformed into the development of a fully loaded narrative universe!
From the outset, we wanted to tell a story full of mystery and adventure about humanity’s evolution; a tale that would instill hope, possibility, and a sense of wonder into people’s lives.
To do so, our teams worked diligently to establish an iron-clad mythology that would guide our world-building efforts, fuel our game and its world’s rich lore, and ensure we remained true to our initial intentions from start to finish.
From a development perspective, it was important to devise mechanics that were both unique and, of course, fun to play around with. With Unknown 9: Awakening, it all started with Haroona’s “stepping” ability, which became the foundation for the combat system’s other elements, all of which were designed to give players agency in devising their own unique strategies to progress through the game.
The creation of the Unknown 9 narrative universe
As the game’s technical and narrative development picked up speed, so did the creation of the larger universe’s many other stories.
Our goal has always been to create worlds made up of overlapping adventures, each one connected in some way to the next and tailored to fit a specific medium. After all, we’re game developers and transmedia storytellers!
To create a seamless transmedia experience for Unknown 9, our narrative designers and game developers worked closely together to identify the key lore, gameplay, and story elements to carry over from one medium to the next.
The result has since taken the form of a narrative-driven action-adventure game that launches players into a universe riddled with crossovers, callbacks, and Easter eggs!
Key Collaborations
While collaboration across Reflector’s teams was vital to bringing our game and transmedia experience to life, we also had a chance to partner with incredible talent that only served to bolster the experiences we were crafting.
The talented Anya Chalotra portrays Unknown 9: Awakening heroine Haroona, in her first video game role. Having had a chance to work with such a strong and inspiring woman to bring our heroine to life was incredible, to say the least.
Another inspiring artist we worked with was American singer songwriter BANKS, who co-produced Unknown 9’s official theme song in collaboration with Reflector’s audio and narrative teams.
Available on all major streaming platforms, the track is also featured on Unknown 9: Awakening’s Official Soundtrack.
About the Game
Unknown 9: Awakening is our Montreal game studio’s first narrative-driven action-adventure game. Its story centres on Haroona, a powerful young Quaestor whose connection to a mysterious dimension called the Fold gifts her unique Umbric abilities.
After witnessing the fall of her beloved mentor at the hands of Vincent Lichter, she sets off to exact revenge on him and his army of Ascendants, a splinter faction of the Leap Year Society who want to use the Fold to usher in a new era for humanity.
As Haroona’s journey progresses, she learns to master her Fold-powered abilities, finds allies in the Leap Year Society, and fights to prevent the world’s long-lost knowledge—powerful secrets said to be guarded by the Unknown 9—from falling into the wrong hands.
The game is available now on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam.
A Look Ahead as we Work to Develop Other IP
The launch of Awakening marks the end of a very important chapter in our video game development company’s continued evolution. And the best part is, this is just the beginning!
While the Unknown 9 universe continues to expand in the coming months through the extension of existing stories and the addition of new adventures, we’re also currently developing an all-new experience for a popular Bandai Namco brand!
To bring our next video game to life, we’re looking to fill positions within our animation, level design, game design, and art teams. If you’re interested in joining us and contributing to the development of a great IP, check out our open positions and learn why should join our video game development studio.
Reflector Entertainment’s integration into the Bandai Namco Group has catalyzed our studio’s creative and technical evolution over the past three and a half years.
Discover what it’s like working for a Quebec-based video game company supported by the publishers of some of the most iconic video game titles of our time. Plus, hear what our employees have to say about what it’s like to level up with the help of Bandai Namco.
How it All Began
Reflector’s acquisition in the fall of 2020 was part of Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe’s larger strategy to expand its Western content development efforts.
This new chapter, which sparked an ongoing alliance centred on creating and delivering innovative video games and entertainment experiences to audiences worldwide, has been a game changer for Reflector.
In addition to holding the distinction of being the first Bandai Namco-owned studio in North America, our ties to (and support from) the renowned publisher has allowed us to pursue our game development and transmedia ambitions for our first IP, Unknown 9. It’s also opened the doors to exciting new game development opportunities.
The Bandai Namco Advantage
Joining Bandai Namco has transformed Reflector on every level, and in the best way possible.
A legendary cohort
We’ve joined a roster of legendary games recognized worldwide, like Dragon Ball, Elden Ring, Tekken, Pacman, Little Nightmares, Dark Souls, and the list goes on! Having our work shine alongside these timeless titles is a massive source of pride for us all.
Top-tier resources
Our ties to Bandai Namco provide us with the financial and technical support needed to create impactful experiences while maintaining our creative autonomy. It’s a win-win in the dynamic, high-stakes game industry.
Collaboration and exchange
When you pair Bandai Namco expertise with Reflector innovation, great things happen.
Whether it’s bringing Unknown 9 to market, prepping for the development of the next IP, or hosting knowledge-sharing events (like the first-ever Bandai Namco Global Development Summit), one thing is clear—we can go much further together.
Flexibility and creative autonomy
Bandai Namco has given us the resources and freedom to establish our unique identity. We’ve been able to build and maintain internal processes that suit our local reality; we’ve developed and continue to nurture our own company culture; and get to create entertainment experiences unlike any of the distributors’ other IPs!
Awesome projects
In addition to the Unknown 9 universe, we’ve begun developing a new experience for a popular Bandai Namcoproperty. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to inject our unique creative vision into a beloved IP. It’s also proof positive that we’ve established our long-term strategic value within the group.
Leveling up with Bandai Namco
Hear what some of our team members have to say about what it’s like working with Bandai Namco x Reflector.
What’s Next?
The countdown is on to the release of the Unknown 9: Awakening video game and its larger transmedia experience. Remember, this vast universe’s borders will expand with the addition of new adventures, as well as fresh twists and turns in a number of its existing stories.
As for our next major endeavor, although we can’t yet divulge which Bandai Namco property we’re working on, our studio has welcomed some notable industry talent over the last year to help kick-start production!
Landing your next great career opportunity doesn’t have to be an intimidating process–especially if you know what you’re in for.
Dreaming of a new job in the game development industry? At Reflector, our recruitment process is a time to meet and (hopefully!) click with creative folks who share your passions. Your success as a candidate is a testament to both your skills and how well you’ve connected with people along the way.
Read on to get familiar with our recruitment process—and as a bonus, glean a few industry tips from our Talent and Acquisition department.
Two ways to get started:
This part is simple. You contact us, or we contact you.
1. Apply online
Many team members join Reflector by submitting an online application. If you’ve spotted one of our job postings and know you’d make a great candidate, our Career portal makes the application process easy.
Pro tip: Keep a copy of the description for the job you’re applying for.
2. Reflector outreach
If we think you’d make a good candidate, we’ll reach out! Maximize your chances of being recruited by maintaining an up-to-date LinkedIn profile that accurately describes your work experience.
Even if you’re not looking for an immediate career change, we’d love to answer your questions and hear about your professional goals. Discretion is our golden rule—these conversations will be 100% confidential.
Pro tip: If you’re Reflector-curious but the timing isn’t right, don’t hesitate to say so. A simple “No thanks, maybe in the future” could help secure a position for you when you’re ready to make a move.
Recruitment process steps
Getting hired at Reflector plays out over several steps.
1. Preliminary phone screening
The first step in our hiring process is a 30–60-minute chat with one of our recruiters. We want to hear about your ambitions, motivations, special talents, career highlights, and how you’ve dealt with past challenges.
Pro tip: Prep by reading the job description thoroughly and have some relevant examples of your responsibilities on hand. Get ready to be open and honest about your expectations. We will be, too!
2. Managerial interview and technical test
During this 1–2-hour interview, you meet with your potential future manager, deep-dive into your work experience, and learn about their leadership style. If you’re applying for a technical position, this step will involve an evaluation where you’ll get to show off your skills.
Pro tip: Re-read your CV and brush up on relevant software, programs, and other technical tools. Be sure to prep a few questions for your future manager—they love to talk about their projects…and the games they’re currently playing!
3. One-on-one team interview
A one-on-one, 30–60-minute discussion with a member of the team you’d be working with helps you get a sense of what your day-to-day will be like as well as what life at Reflector is all about.
Whether you get a chance to meet in-person or remotely, we hope you walk away from the experience feeling excited to deliver high-quality work (and have fun!) with this person and the rest of your team.
4. The offer
So, you passed your technical test and interviews with flying colours, and you’re jazzed about everyone you’ve met. Congratulations, you’ve landed a gaming job!
Over a 30-minute call, our recruiters will talk you through all the aspects of your offer, including salary, benefits, vacation time, and job objectives. Now’s the time to ask any and all questions. We want you to sign your offer letter feeling 100% confident in the decision to make Reflector your next career step.
5. Onboarding
It’s official. You’re a Reflectorian! Once you’ve returned your signed offer to us, our coordinators will start working on the logistics of you joining the team. They’ll help you select the best time to announce your arrival and figure out a start date.
At this point, don’t be surprised if you start getting LinkedIn requests from your new co-workers. We’re all thrilled to have you on board.
Game Industry Recruitment FAQs
We caught up with Reflector Talent and Acquisition partner Eric Belair to answer some common questions we get about game development jobs.
How long does the hiring process take at Reflector?
That depends on two main factors: the complexity of the role and the availability of everyone involved. On average, the time from application to offer tends to be four to six weeks.
How can I get hired in the video game industry?
My main recommendation—and this applies to any industry—is to show your commitment! If you’re an artist, never stop expanding your portfolio. If you’re a programmer, work on your GitHub. If you’re an audio artist, where are your soundtracks?
But don’t build a portfolio simply to land a gaming job. Do it because you are passionate about your craft, because you love to hone your talents, because your work represents your most authentic self. Getting hired to make video games is just a side effect of your commitment.
What do video game studios look for when hiring?
Gaming companies in Montreal are looking for candidates committed to their fields. For example, if we’re hiring an artist, we want to see your range. If you’re a programmer, we want to see what you can do, how you’ve worked through bugs.
We also look for Teamwork and Humility–both with capital letters. We focus on collective success…everyone has equal importance, the right to be heard, and a chance to share in the excitement of our shared achievements.
So, think you’ve got what it takes to be a Reflectorian? Check out our current career opportunities. If your dream job isn’t listed, don’t fret—follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date with our latest openings!
