Reflector Entertainment, a key partner of Sweet Baby Inc. who developed the controversial game ‘Unknown 9: Awakening’, has formally admitted defeat. The disastrous outcome of this game has led directly to the cancellation of upcoming projects, job cuts within the studio, and a shift towards focusing on a single project at a time for their future endeavors.
The news originated from Herve Hoerdt, both CEO of Reflector Entertainment and Chief Content Officer at Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe. He admitted that the game didn’t live up to expectations, despite substantial financial backing.
He stated that the outcome of this decision is closely tied to the underperformance of the studio’s pioneering and daring first venture, an original intellectual property set within a vast multimedia world. The launch fell short of the company’s predictions, despite multiple delays and significant investments in terms of money and resources, and did not warrant any further expansion within this universe.
In October 2024, the release of “Unknown 9: Awakening” intended to create a multimedia universe encompassing games, books, and other forms of media. However, the game received poor reviews with a Metacritic critic score of 59 and a user score of 1.7, effectively ending any prospects for developing an “Unknown 9” narrative universe.
The critics pointed out the game’s unengaging gameplay mechanics and a storyline that was too grandiose, struggling to connect with players.
Critics found the game’s play not very exciting and its story didn’t seem to appeal much to the audience.
Bringing further attention to the situation is Sweet Baby Inc., led by CEO Kim Belair, who serves as a consultant on the project. However, Belair’s position as “Story Architect” has recently been called into question due to her company’s increasing notoriety for being involved in projects that often fall short in terms of commercial or critical success.
At first glance, Unknown 9: Awakening was marketed as an expansive universe brimming with supernatural mystery. However, it left players cold due to its complex backstory and weak gameplay mechanics. This wasn’t a game crafted to win hearts—it was a creation borne out of grand ambitions that failed to spark player interaction.
The consequences of the game’s flop have been quite harsh. Reflector Entertainment has decided to shelve their upcoming project, let more workers go, and trim down their future plans. Affected staff members will receive severance pay and benefits, but the studio’s and parent company Bandai Namco’s tarnished reputation is significant.
Critics contend that Sweet Baby Inc.’s participation in gaming is symbolic of a concerning pattern. Instead of concentrating on crafting enjoyable experiences, games influenced by Sweet Baby Inc. frequently place a greater emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The consistent disappointments with titles such as “Unknown 9” and “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League” indicate that DEI-centric stories are not striking a chord with gamers—particularly when they come at the cost of gameplay quality.
The choice made by Reflector to delegate a significant part in the project’s progression to Sweet Baby Inc., a company with a history of problematic performances, casts doubts on the industry’s focus areas. This isn’t an isolated case, as numerous studios have experienced repercussions due to SBI’s mishaps. Surprisingly, according to MasterOfTheTDS (a YouTuber), who received information from a reliable source, Sweet Baby Inc. hasn’t lost any contracts despite their past actions. Remarkably, they are reportedly working on over 30 games concurrently.
Does this situation lead you to wonder: When will film studios reassess their dependence on consulting companies with dubious past performances, given the number of high-profile flops that have occurred so far?
Bandai Namco has made clear their dedication to crafting content for international players, yet the flop of Unknown 9: Awakening acts as a warning. What gamers truly seek is substantial narratives and engaging gameplay, rather than superficial attempts to fulfill ideological requirements.
The failure of Reflector Entertainment’s aspirations once again underscores the dangers of focusing on ideology instead of player satisfaction in the gaming industry. To rebuild trust and create games that appeal to players, it might be wise for the industry to forget about consultants like Sweet Baby Inc., who have not proven successful in the past.
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2025-01-22 01:55