In a situation reminiscent of Immortals of Aveum, Reflector Entertainment has announced layoffs just a month after releasing Unknown 9: Awakening. The company said they are entering “a new phase of development” necessary for efficient objective delivery.
“Today’s announcement isn’t driven by commercial success or external pressures, but stems instead from our current reality, which is that at this time, we cannot guarantee tangible work for all of the talented individuals we employ,” the studio’s General Manager Marc-André Séguin said on Monday, November 18, 2024.
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“With the recent release of Unknown 9: Awakening and our two key production lines entering the early stages of development, we must make sure that our staff is laser-focused on contributing to the projects that wholly benefit from their skillsets.
“As such, we are reducing our team by approximately 18% of Reflector’s total workforce, a decision that impacts people who aren’t assigned to roles that our active projects require.”
Reflector Entertainment promised to assist everyone impacted by the decision including “providing them with severance packages,” medical, emotional, and career planning support.
The company believes the business shift will help them to perfect upcoming projects in a way that delivers experiences that will be meaningful and memorable for players. Talking about memorable, Unknown 9: Awakening was heavily criticized for graphics, gameplay, and inconsistent performance.
While the environment and concept held considerable promise, the game fell short of delivering a memorable gem. Its highest average Metascore was 64 on Xbox Series X. That number dropped to 59 on PS5 and 58 on PC. On Steam, the game also had mixed reviews.
“While change is never easy, it allows for meaningful reflection,” Séguin said. “We’ve learned a lot from our journey so far, including the challenges that come with growth. As we move forward, we are committed to applying these lessons to build a stronger, more focused future.”
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Reflector Entertainment was founded in 2016 in Montreal before being acquired by Bandai Namco Europe in 2020. GameBaba Universe discovered the studio had 145 associated members on LinkedIn—and 18% shaved off that number is a lot.
Ex Reflector Entertainment employees comment on the matter
Since the beginning of the week, several Reflector Entertainment employees impacted by the recent 18% cut have posted on LinkedIn about the layoff and solicited the help of their connections to land new roles.
“Unfortunately, I was affected by the layoffs at Reflector Entertainment, which means I’m currently looking for a job as a Narrative Designer or Game Writer,” wrote Anna Karina Bermudez, a writer and game designer. “If you hear of any opportunities, please let me know!”
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Brand manager Manou Deneuvel was also impacted by the layoff and wrote, “I was affected by the layoffs at Reflector Entertainment, and I’m seeking a new role in Marketing or Social Media/Community Management, effective immediately.”
“Sadly, I’ve been affected by the layoffs at Reflector Entertainment and I’m currently on a lookout for a new role as a Lighting Artist,” wrote lighting artist Sean.
It has been another tough year for workers in the game industry. Over 14,000 workers in the industry have lost their jobs and there is still no sign that we are out of the woods yet.
