Unknown 9 developer Reflector has notified teams of layoffs following the decision to “not greenlight” an unannounced project.
It’s unclear how many people have been affected by the cuts, but the layoffs will also affect administrative staff to “align support teams with the single-project approach the studio will adopt for the imminent future.”
Laid-off staff will receive “adequate” severance packages and expanded healthcare for themselves and their families. Counseling and “proactive career planning support” will also be available.
CEO Herve Hoerdt said that continuing with the project, which was in the “conceptualization phase,” “would not have been sustainable for the future of the studio.”
Reflector, a Bandai Namco studio, explained that “this decision directly correlates to the failure of the studio’s ambitious and brave first project, a new IP with a rich transmedia universe.”
As its performance did not “come close” to aligning with the company’s expectations despite “numerous schedule adjustments and investments,” Hoerdt said the follow-on project “did not warrant any additional exploration.”
Hoerdt also revealed that, where possible, colleagues affected by the cuts will be reassigned to another unannounced project “based on an existing Badnai Namco IP, which is shaping up very well.”
