Build a Rocket Boy
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Co-founder claims Activision put ″pressure″ on Infinity Ward to make game about Iran invading Israel
A co-founder of Infinity Ward has claimed that Activision pressured the studio to develop a game centered around Iran invading Israel. Separately, MindsEye developer Build A Rocket Boy, founded by Leslie Benzies, announced its second round of layoffs in eight months, alleging corporate sabotage.
Velan Studios expands into Canada to build 'breakthrough games'
MindsEye developer Build A Rocket Boy, founded by former Rockstar North president Leslie Benzies, has announced its second round of layoffs in eight months. The studio also alleges 'corporate sabotage'.
More Layoffs At Build A Rocket Boy As The Company Once Again Blames Sabotage
Build A Rocket Boy has announced a third round of layoffs, with co-CEO Mark Gerhard citing external factors such as espionage and sabotage as contributing challenges. The company claims to have overwhelming evidence of organized espionage and corporate sabotage affecting their game, MindsEye, and is pursuing legal action. Gerhard expressed regret over the painful decision to let colleagues go.
MindsEye developer Build A Rocket Boy's co-CEO blames "organised espionage and corporate sabotage" again, while announcing new wave of layoffs
Build A Rocket Boy, the developer of MindsEye, has announced another wave of layoffs following disappointing results from its latest update. Co-CEO Mark Gerhard reiterated claims of "organised espionage and corporate sabotage" impacting the game's development, stating the matter is moving towards prosecution. This follows previous reports of management installing monitoring software on employee machines.
Build a Rocket Boy Announces More Layoffs, CEO Still Claiming Sabotage
Developer Build a Rocket Boy has announced another round of layoffs, with co-CEO Mark Gerhard attributing the situation to 'organized espionage' and corporate sabotage. Gerhard claims the studio has evidence of a smear campaign costing over one million euros, involving influencers, journalists, and employees, and intends to pursue legal action. The company also mentioned upcoming layoffs at Square Enix.
MindsEye Dev Build a Rocket Boy Blames Further Layoffs on "Organized Espionage"
Build a Rocket Boy has conducted further layoffs, with CEO Mark Gerhard attributing the decision to "organized espionage" and "corporate sabotage" surrounding the launch of their game, MindsEye. The studio claims to have "overwhelming evidence" of criminal activity and is pursuing prosecution, though this is not the first time such accusations have been made.
MindsEye Studio Laying Off More Staff as It Doubles Down on Conspiracy Theory
Build a Rocket Boy, the studio behind the game MindsEye, is undergoing further layoffs. CEO Mark Gerhard cited organized espionage and corporate sabotage as factors affecting the game's launch and the studio's current situation. The company is investigating these claims and intends to pursue legal action.
MindsEye developer announces more layoffs while alleging 'corporate sabotage'
Build A Rocket Boy (BARB), the studio founded by Leslie Benzies, has announced a second round of layoffs, citing "organized espionage and corporate sabotage" affecting their game MindsEye. CEO Mark Gerhard stated that evidence of criminal activity has been gathered and is moving towards prosecution, impacting the studio's ability to support the game and leading to further job cuts.
MindsEye studio confirm more layoffs, as CEO claims they've got "overwhelming evidence of organised espionage and corporate sabotage"
Build a Rocket Boy has announced further layoffs, with CEO Mark Gerhard citing "overwhelming evidence of organised espionage and corporate sabotage" as a reason for the cuts. Gerhard claims that legal investigations are ongoing and will lead to prosecution, though former staff have accused management of mismanagement and enforcing crunch.
Business and Finance
Build a Rocket Boy has confirmed further layoffs amidst allegations of internal espionage and corporate sabotage. The company is facing significant challenges as it continues development on its ambitious new title.
MindsEye studio claims it now has 'overwhelming evidence of organized espionage and corporate sabotage' that somehow made its game bad, and also it's laying off more people
The CEO of Build a Rocket Boy, Mark Gerhard, claims the studio has evidence of organized espionage and corporate sabotage that negatively impacted the launch of their game, MindsEye. Despite these allegations, the studio is implementing another round of layoffs due to the game's poor performance. Developers and publisher IO Interactive have previously disputed these claims, pointing to internal mismanagement as the cause of the game's failure.
Build a Rocket Boy confirms more layoffs amid further claims of "organized espionage and corporate sabotage"
Build a Rocket Boy has confirmed further layoffs, citing a difficult industry period and allegations of "organized espionage and corporate sabotage" impacting the launch of their game, MindsEye. CEO Mark Gerhard stated that an ongoing investigation into criminal activity has yielded overwhelming evidence, with the matter progressing towards prosecution. The studio is reducing its size to ensure long-term future and support departing employees.
"Espionage And Corporate Sabotage" Blamed For MindsEye Launch, As Dev Announces Layoffs
Build A Rocket Boy co-CEO Mark Gerhard has blamed corporate espionage and sabotage for the poor reception of the game MindsEye, while also announcing studio layoffs. Gerhard stated that an investigation has uncovered overwhelming evidence of criminal activity, with details to be revealed as the matter moves toward prosecution. The game received a low score of 3/10 from GameSpot and experienced a troubled launch, with developers reportedly working overtime to fix numerous issues.
How the Employment Rights Act 2025 empowers unions and employees, and how the games business must prepare
The new UK Employment Rights Act 2025, set to be implemented in stages through 2026 and 2027, significantly reforms employment laws, making it easier for trade unions to organize and take industrial action. The changes aim to reduce hurdles for unionization, simplify strike balloting, extend strike mandates, and offer greater protection to workers involved in industrial action. The article advises UK games businesses to prepare for increased union activity by understanding the legal framework, auditing employment practices, and ensuring documentation is robust.
Can Build A Rocket Boy save itself?
Build A Rocket Boy (BARB) is facing multiple crises, including allegations of installing surveillance software on employee PCs without consent and accusations of a coordinated campaign to damage its reputation. The studio's game, MindsEye, launched to dismal reviews and low player counts, leading to significant layoffs and internal turmoil. Co-CEOs Mark Gerhard and Leslie Benzies are at the center of these issues, with former employees expressing concerns about leadership, vision, and company culture.