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 and Bandai Namco Europe reveal Unknown 9: Awakening Story Trailer at Summer Game Fest.
A loved one lost, a former pupil gone rogue, and new motives exposed—these are just a few of the details brought to light in the trailer that premiered today.
If you missed our appearance at Summer Game Fest, here’s what you need to know about the latest narrative details revealed about Unknown 9: Awakening.
A closer look at Unknown 9: Awakening
Set to release this fall, the game centres on Haroona, a tenacious young woman seeking revenge upon those who’ve done her wrong. Played by Anya Chalotra, Haroona isn’t your average adventurer. As curious as she is resourceful, her connection to the Fold gifts her incredible powers (Umbric abilities) that players can wield against whoever stands in their way.
While those who caught the Announcement Trailer premiere in March got a peek at some of the gameplay, Awakening’s Story Trailer dives deeper into the game’s narrative elements.
Viewers will discover Haroona’s motivations, spot new characters, and glean additional intel on the enigmatic figures at the heart of our universe’s many adventures—the Unknown 9.
Meet the Quaestors
Quaestors are Unknown 9’s resident truth seekers. They’re the ones that venture into the depths of the unknown to unearth lost wisdom. Though several Quaestors make cameos in the Story Trailer, two in particular have greatly impacted Haroona’s life, and will inevitably drive the player experience.
Reika, our protagonist’s beloved mentor, possesses an unmatched mastery of the Fold. Her Umbric gifts and worldly wisdom have shaped Haroona into the powerful Quaestor she is today.
The game’s main antagonist, Vincent Lichter, is the Ascendants’ leader and a former pupil of Reika’s. His growing frustrations about her blind faith in the 9 coupled with a momentous Fold discovery he made has caused him to reject her teachings. Believing that humankind should take back control of its own destiny, he’s rallied his loyal followers together to expose age-old secrets that threaten to usher in a new, more chaotic, world order.
When his and Reika’s paths cross, he swiftly takes her down in the name of his cause. This devastating loss is what sets in motion Haroona’s revenge mission.
The History of the Unknown 9
Reika explains how these enigmatic figures once belonged to an ancient civilization called the Sahin, an advanced society wiped from the face of the earth many millennia ago. During its fall, nine of its members were made immortal and entrusted with protecting all of humanity’s knowledge. They’ve since watched over us for centuries, acting on the powerful wisdom they guard at specific moments in time to guide us in the right direction.
Platform and wish list details
Unknown 9: Awakening releases in the fall of 2024 on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox one, Xbox series X|S and PC via Steam. Players can add the game to their wish lists on all major platforms.
For the latest developments on all things Unknown 9: Awakening, visit Unknown9.com and follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. And don’t forget to join the conversation on X and our official Discord channel!
If you’d like to contribute to the next major Reflector Entertainment x Bandai Namco project, good news! We’re looking for talented individuals with game development experience to join our Montreal video game 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!
Our first video game, starring Anya Chalotra, will be released this summer!
Reflector and Bandai Namco Europe Unveiled a First Look at Unknown 9: Awakening
Highlights of this preview included first gameplay, the reveal of a famous protagonist, and a Summer 2024 release for the third-person action-adventure title, which is the cornerstone of our new IP, Unknown 9.
Our teams have been hard at work bringing the studio’s first video game and larger narrative universe to life. This upcoming release represents an important milestone for our Montreal-based studio, which was acquired by Bandai Namco Europe in 2020 as part of its strategy to expand the group’s Western content. Reflector has since pursued its mission to build narrative universes spanning multiple media for Unknown 9 in a way that would expose its products and experiences to a global audience.
“We’re thrilled to announce the game’s upcoming release! Thanks to our dedicated team and the unwavering support of Bandai Namco Europe, our vision has become a reality, and this is just the beginning” said Marc André Séguin, General Manager at Reflector Entertainment. “We’re eager to share this IP, its narrative universe, and the many adventures that unfold within it with players.”
Presenting Unknown 9: Awakening
Unknown 9: Awakening follows the story of Haroona, a Quaestor born with the ability to venture into the Fold: a mysterious dimension that overlaps our own. On her quest for powerful hidden knowledge, she will learn to master her unique connection to the Fold, which allows her to channel its powers into our world…but such power does not go unnoticed. Haroona quickly becomes the target of the Ascendants, a splinter faction of a secret society known as the Leap Year Society, who want to use the Fold to alter the course of human history.
Players take on the role of Haroona, who embarks on a globetrotting journey to right the wrongs of her past. They will peer into the depths of the Fold to uncover long-lost knowledge and use its potent energy to save humanity from destruction. As this quest unfolds, players will Step into their enemies to control them, dodge bullets, shield attacks, hurl energy, and devise creative combat combinations to customize their play style.
“I’ve witnessed the remarkable commitment and creativity of all those who have worked on the game and the larger universe that it’s set in“, said Christophe Rossignol, Creative Director of Unknown 9: Awakening. “It’s been a collaborative effort and together, we’ve crafted something truly special. I cannot wait for players to embark on this adventure with us and see what we have in store for them.”
The latest trailer also revealed Reflector’s collaboration with the talented Anya Chalotra, who portrays Haroona, the game’s audacious main protagonist. The actress’ knack for bringing strong female characters to life made her an obvious choice when it came to casting Unknown 9: Awakening’s lead character.
Unknown 9: Awakening: the gateway into a larger universe
The video game is the key entry point into the Unknown 9 IP’s expansive narrative universe, which includes a series of interconnected adventures told across comic books, podcasts, novels, and more. Fans of the video game will be able to extend their experience by consuming these tales.
Unknown 9: Awakening will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, and on PC via Steam in the summer of 2024. Starting today, players can add the video game to their wish list on platforms where the game will be available.
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!
Today, Reflector Entertainment and Bandai Namco Europe announced the opening of another production line at the Montreal-based studio. This solidifies the long-term strategic importance of the studio by entrusting an existing IP to its talented team.
“This is an organic and pre-planned evolution in the development of Reflector Entertainment, which has established itself as a major asset within the group,” said Hervé Hoerdt, CEO of Reflector Entertainment. “The studio is part of the Bandai Namco family because our values and vision are in total harmony when it comes to entertainment and the future of the industry. We all look forward to seeing what the team will achieve with this new challenge.“
An evolving leadership team
Marc André Séguin has been promoted to General Manager. Together with the leadership team, he will be responsible for carrying out the studio’s strategic vision by empowering all its members to achieve their common goals. Marc André assumed this position on October 1, 2022.
“I am thrilled to have helped solidify the Talent and Culture team and roadmap over the past few years. We have strengthened several aspects of our team with the goal of preparing the studio for great growth,” Commented Marc André Séguin, General Manager of Reflector Entertainment. ”I am proud to contribute to this culture of collective success that is being established among colleagues and I am very grateful for the trust placed in me by the studio leadership team and Bandai Namco Europe as I look forward to helping propel the studio to the next stage of our business plan.”
Key departments within the studio have also seen an evolution. Christophe Rossignol, who has worked at Reflector Entertainment since its inception, has been promoted to Creative Director, while Emilie Constantineau is stepping up as Talent and Culture Director.
Marc André Séguin, Emilie Constantineau, and Christophe Rossignol
More opportunities in Montreal
As the studio takes on this new production line and continues to grow, its leadership team needs to be strengthened to meet this new challenge.
Reflector has opened up two new positions to complement the established leadership team—Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Executive Producer—roles that will be central to the delivery of the organisation’s business plan.
Several roles such as Level Artist, Tool Programmer, VFX Artist, and Technical Artist are also ready to be filled and will be followed by the opening of additional executive roles including Producer, Creative Director, and Technical Director to start the new production line.
These future colleagues will join a team of more than 140 talented Reflectorians who bring the studio’s vision to life through their passion.
About Reflector Entertainment
Reflector is a new breed of studio that creates multimedia, communal storyworlds in which users can experience each medium as a standalone, while their interlinked natures empower you to craft your own narrative journey. Founded in Montreal in 2016, the studio was acquired by Bandai Namco Europe in 2020. Some of the most acclaimed talent in the industry have joined forces to bring the studio’s ideas to life across multiple platforms, including video games, comic books, podcasts, novels, films, and TV. With a mission to produce next-generation content, the company, plans to unfold innovative projects over the next several years, starting with its first storyworld Unknown 9.
About Bandai Namco Europe S.A.S
Bandai Namco Europe S.A.S. is a leading global publisher and developer of entertainment content for platforms including, but not limited to, all major video game consoles and PC. Bandai Namco Europe is producing intellectual property for a global audience and is building its reputation with franchises such as LITTLE NIGHTMARES™, PARK BEYOND™, and the upcoming UNKNOWN 9™ Awakening – developed by the recently acquired Reflector Entertainment based in Montreal, QC. Bandai Namco Europe serves as the Headquarters of Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. for mainland Europe, which is known for creating and publishing many of the Toy & Entertainment industry’s top franchises, including PAC-MAN™, TAMAGOTCHI™, GUNDAM™, TEKKEN™, DARK SOULS™ and the recently released ELDEN RING™.
