Bandai Namco's Big Bet on Unknown 9's Transmedia Universe

Unknown 9 is a pioneering IP that is set to revolutionize the gaming industry with its innovative transmedia approach. As the brainchild of Montreal-based developer Reflector Entertainment, which was acquired by Bandai Namco in 2020, Unknown 9 is an ambitious project that aims to create a vast, interconnected universe that spans multiple media formats, including games, novels, comics, and podcasts. At the helm of this project is Reflector Entertainment CEO and Bandai Namco Europe's chief content officer, Hervé Hoerdt, who is driven by a vision to create a rich, immersive world that will captivate audiences across different platforms. According to Hoerdt, the goal is to craft a full story world that is multi-layered, with each piece of media offering a unique perspective on the overarching narrative. The story of Unknown 9 centers around a group of immortals, secret societies, and a parallel dimension known as the Fold, which grants certain individuals supernatural abilities. The narrative spans over a century, from the 19th century to the present day, with easter eggs, recurring characters, and hidden messages that link the different media formats together. The first game, Unknown 9: Awakening, is set in 1912 and follows the story of Haroona, a woman with Fold-based powers who seeks revenge for the death of her former mentor. While the game is the central pillar of the Unknown 9 universe, it is just one part of a larger transmedia strategy that includes novels, comics, and podcasts. Hoerdt emphasizes that the key to success lies in creating a consistent, engaging narrative that spans multiple media formats. To achieve this, Reflector Entertainment has employed a full-time story architect to oversee the development of the IP and ensure that each piece of media is consistent with the overall vision. One of the challenges of transmedia storytelling is the cost of entry, as fans may need to purchase multiple products to fully experience the story. However, Hoerdt is confident that the entry fee will remain low, with most of the transmedia content being free or low-cost. The game, Awakening, is priced competitively, and the book is the only other product that requires a purchase. Bandai Namco's acquisition of Reflector Entertainment is a testament to the publisher's commitment to delivering high-quality, engaging gaming experiences. With a plan to release five games over the next ten years, including Unknown 9 and other IPs, Reflector Entertainment is poised to make a significant impact on the gaming industry. Hoerdt believes that Unknown 9 has the potential to help Bandai Namco stand out in the highly competitive action-adventure genre, which is dominated by established franchises. By creating a unique, immersive universe that spans multiple media formats, Reflector Entertainment is taking a bold step into the unknown, and the results are likely to be exciting.