Reflector’s Evolution as a Bandai Namco-Owned Studio

Reflector’s Evolution as a Bandai Namco-Owned 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 Namco property. 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!

Stay tuned for this reveal.

Reflector’s Recruitment Process

Reflector’s Recruitment Process

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! 

Reflector to Develop a Popular Bandai Namco IP in Montreal

Reflector to Develop a Popular Bandai Namco IP in Montreal

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.

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™.

For more information, please visit www.bandainamcoent.eu.