Leslie Benzies
Reporting and statements that mention Leslie Benzies.
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MindsEye Devs Demand Answers Regarding Corporate Surveillance Issue
Employees of Build A Rocket Boy, represented by the IWGB Game Workers Union, are taking legal action against the company for installing surveillance software on their devices without consent. The union is demanding transparency regarding the data collected and its usage, while the company's leadership, including Leslie Benzies and Mark Gerhard, has accused former employees of corporate espionage related to the game MindsEye's poor launch.
MindsEye Developer Sued by Employees Alleging Unauthorized Surveillance
Build a Rocket Boy (BARB), the studio behind MindsEye, is facing a lawsuit from unionized employees alleging the unauthorized installation of surveillance software. The IWGB Game Workers Union is representing the employees, claiming BARB violated data protection laws and employee dignity by using Teramind software without consent. This lawsuit adds to a series of setbacks for BARB, including the troubled launch of MindsEye and subsequent layoffs.
Union takes legal action against Build a Rocket Boy over alleged data privacy violations
The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has initiated legal action against Build a Rocket Boy, alleging data privacy violations due to the installation of Teramind surveillance software on employees' devices without consent. The union claims this software violates data protection laws and employee dignity by tracking keystrokes, screen activity, and audio. Build a Rocket Boy acknowledged installing the software, calling it 'enhanced cybersecurity,' and stated it would be removed within three months, though the IWGB reports it was removed in March after employee grievances.
Union workers take legal action against Build A Rocket Boy over alleged privacy violations
Unionized employees at Build A Rocket Boy (BARB) have filed legal action against the studio, alleging data privacy violations due to the installation of surveillance software called Teramind on work devices. The IWGB Game Workers Union claims BARB management has been uncooperative in disclosing what data was collected, how it was stored, and the reasons for the software's installation, which they describe as invasive and installed without consent.
MindsEye Studio’s Employees File Lawsuit Alleging Privacy Violations With Monitoring Software
Employees of Build A Rocket Boy, represented by the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain, have filed a lawsuit alleging privacy violations due to the studio's installation of surveillance software called Teramind. The union claims the software, which tracked keystrokes, screen activity, and microphone audio without consent, violates data protection laws and employee dignity. Studio leaders Mark Gerhard and Leslie Benzies confirmed the software's installation without employee knowledge, which has since been removed following a collective grievance.
MindsEye's first major update, 'Blacklist', really will be used by former GTA lead to 'share some of the evidence of the sabotage’ that apparently made it bad
Build a Rocket Boy, led by former Grand Theft Auto developer Leslie Benzies, is releasing a major update for its game MindsEye called 'Blacklist'. Benzies claims the update will include evidence of corporate sabotage that he alleges negatively impacted the game's development and reception. The studio is reportedly cooperating with UK and US authorities regarding these claims.
"We know we had, without doubt, the worst launch in history" admits MindsEye boss as he says studio will share "evidence of sabotage" in-game
Mark Gerhard, CEO of Build A Rocket Boy, has described the launch of their shooter MindsEye as "the worst launch in history," citing "sabotage" as a primary cause. The studio plans to share evidence of this alleged interference in an upcoming multiplayer update. Despite a troubled release and subsequent layoffs, Gerhard claims the game is now receiving better reviews and seeing organic sales growth.
MindsEye's new mission will feature "evidence of the sabotage" the studio have faced, CEO claims - I double-checked and the quotes came before April Fools
MindsEye CEO Mark Gerhard claims the studio will include evidence of alleged sabotage in a new game mission called Blacklist. Gerhard stated that UK and US authorities are investigating these claims, which he believes were perpetrated by a third party. The studio is also undergoing workforce reductions and working with founder Leslie Benzies on a roadmap to re-launch the game.
Build A Rocket Boy France is Reportedly Facing Judicial Liquidation
Build A Rocket Boy's French division is reportedly facing judicial liquidation, according to French publication Origami. This follows the end of its publishing collaboration with IO Interactive and adds to a string of bad news for the studio founded by former Rockstar Games executive Leslie Benzies. Around 50 developers may be affected by potential job losses.
Partnership Between Hitman And Mindseye Developers Officially Ends
IOI Partners and Build A Rocket Boy have officially ended their publishing collaboration on the game MindsEye. The partnership, which began after IOI Interactive established its publishing division in 2024, will see Build A Rocket Boy assume sole publishing responsibilities. This split also means a planned crossover mission between Hitman's Agent 47 and the MindsEye cast will no longer occur.
IOI Partners no longer wants anything to do with MindsEye
IOI Partners has ended its publishing agreement with Build A Rocket Boy (BARB) for the game MindsEye, transferring all publishing responsibilities back to BARB. This separation means a planned Hitman crossover event within MindsEye will no longer occur. The news follows recent widespread layoffs at BARB and allegations of mismanagement and crunch.
IO Interactive splits with MindsEye developer and ends Hitman collab
IO Interactive Partners has ended its publishing collaboration with Build a Rocket Boy (BARB) for the game MindsEye. This separation cancels a planned crossover event between MindsEye and the Hitman franchise. The decision follows criticism of MindsEye's launch and accusations of mismanagement against BARB's leadership.
IOI Ends MindsEye Publishing Deal With Build A Rocket Boy, Hitman Crossover Cancelled
IO Interactive has ended its publishing deal with Build A Rocket Boy for the game MindsEye, with Build A Rocket Boy now assuming publishing duties. This separation also leads to the cancellation of a planned Hitman crossover mission. The article notes recent layoffs at Build A Rocket Boy and expresses skepticism about the studio's future, despite an ambitious ten-year plan.
MindsEye Becomes Self-published as IOI Partners Ends Collaboration - IGN
IOI Partners has ceased publishing duties for the game MindsEye, transferring all rights back to developer Build A Rocket Boy. The game, developed by Leslie Benzies' studio, has struggled since its 2025 launch, facing criticism for performance issues and low player counts. The developer has also dealt with accusations of corporate sabotage and multiple rounds of layoffs.
Hitman Crossover Mission Canceled For One Of 2025's Biggest Gaming Flops
IO Interactive has canceled the planned Hitman crossover mission in the game MindsEye, ending its publishing deal with developer Build A Rocket Boy due to numerous controversies and the game's poor reception. Build A Rocket Boy will now self-publish MindsEye, with IO Interactive focusing on its own internal projects. The decision follows reports of layoffs and controversy surrounding Build A Rocket Boy's founder, Leslie Benzies.
MindsEye Review | TheXboxHub
This review examines MindsEye in 2026, after numerous patches have addressed the game's initial buggy launch in 2025. Developed by Build A Rocket Boy, the third-person action-adventure set in Redrock City now runs smoothly, offering a compelling narrative with driving and shooting mechanics, though it is a linear experience rather than an open-world one.
Lawsuit indicates Fortnite leaker actually worked for Epic Games
Build A Rocket Boy, founded by Leslie Benzies, has announced its second round of layoffs in eight months, citing 'corporate sabotage'. The article also mentions a lawsuit indicating a Fortnite leaker may have worked for Epic Games.
VR specialist nDreams proposes layoffs and two studio closures
VR specialist nDreams has proposed layoffs and the closure of two studios. Separately, MindsEye developer Build A Rocket Boy, founded by Leslie Benzies, announced its second round of job cuts in eight months, alleging corporate sabotage.
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'.
