Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
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MindsEye and Everywhere developer Build A Rocket Boy appears to be headed for shutdown after fresh layoffs
Build A Rocket Boy, the developer behind MindsEye and Everywhere, appears to be facing shutdown following significant layoffs. Insiders suggest the studio is winding down operations, though official statements are pending. The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain has spoken out against alleged mistreatment of employees and pledged support to those affected.
"Nearly everyone" laid off at Hyper Light Drifter devs Heart Machine after publisher drops unannounced game
Heart Machine, the studio behind Hyper Light Drifter, has laid off nearly all of its staff after an unnamed publisher withdrew funding for an unannounced game. Studio founder Alx Preston confirmed the devastating cuts on LinkedIn, stating that the studio's survival is now precarious. This follows previous issues with Hyper Light Breaker and mixed reviews for Possessor(s), highlighting a challenging period for the games industry.
Hyper Light Drifter developer Heart Machine has laid off the majority of staff
Indie studio Heart Machine has laid off the majority of its staff after a publisher pulled funding for an unannounced title. Studio founder Alex Preston announced the devastating news on LinkedIn, stating that the loss of this key income has made the studio's survival uncertain. This follows previous layoffs in November 2024 and October 2025, with the studio's earlier title, Hyper Light Breaker, being cut before it left early access.
Heart Machine faces possible closure after publishing deal falls through; majority of staff laid off
Heart Machine, the developer behind Hyper Light Drifter, is facing potential closure after a crucial publishing deal fell through, leading to the layoff of most of its staff. Studio head Alx Preston described the situation as devastating and is seeking new opportunities for the talented individuals affected. This marks the third round of layoffs for the studio in under three years, highlighting the challenging economic climate for independent game developers.
MindsEye Developer Facing Difficult Future
Build a Rocket Boy, the developer behind MindsEye, is reportedly facing potential closure and significant layoffs, with over 400 employees already affected since the game's troubled launch in June 2025. While some reports suggest a complete shutdown, others indicate the company might continue as a legal entity. The game received extremely poor reviews, with Metacritic scores of 39 on PC and 29 on PlayStation 5.
Fable “Protected” From Xbox’s Mass Layoffs Because It’s “Vital to the Platform’s DNA”
Playground Games' Fable has been protected from Xbox's mass layoffs due to its perceived importance to the platform's identity. Game director Ralph Fulton stated that the long-anticipated title is considered vital to the DNA of Xbox and gaming as a whole. The game is slated for release on February 23rd, 2027, for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Hyper Light Drifter developer on brink of shutdown after publisher deal falls through
Heart Machine, the developer behind Hyper Light Drifter, is reportedly on the brink of shutting down after a publisher withdrew funding for an unannounced project. Studio founder Alx Preston indicated that most employees have been laid off due to the financial setback. This follows a previous wind-down of development for Hyper Light Breaker and substantial layoffs.
More MindsEye developers have been laid off, and GTA veteran Leslie Benzie's studio is reportedly shutting down
Build A Rocket Boy, the studio founded by Grand Theft Auto veteran Leslie Benzies, is reportedly facing another round of significant layoffs and may be permanently shutting down. This follows previous job cuts and a turbulent year for its game, MindsEye, which received a one-star review and suffered from numerous technical issues.
Studio Behind GTA-Like PlayStation 5 Game Shuts Down
Build a Rocket Boy, the studio behind the PlayStation 5 game MindsEye, is shutting down permanently after multiple rounds of layoffs and accusations of unlawful employee monitoring. The IWGB Games Worker Union has stated its commitment to seeking justice for the workers. Several employees have confirmed their departure from the company.
MindsEye developer Build a Rocket Boy may finally be closing
Build a Rocket Boy (BARB), the developer behind the game MindsEye, appears to be closing down entirely, with reports indicating all remaining employees are being laid off. This follows multiple rounds of cuts, allegations of mismanagement and surveillance, and a contentious relationship with former publisher IO Interactive after the poorly received launch of MindsEye.
Report: MindsEye developer Build a Rocket Boy seemingly closing after more layoffs
Build a Rocket Boy, the studio behind the game MindsEye, is reportedly closing its doors following multiple rounds of layoffs. Developers have been posting farewell messages on social media, and sources indicate the studio is winding down operations. The company has faced a tumultuous development cycle for MindsEye, including allegations of mismanagement and legal claims.
MindsEye developers report new round of layoffs at Build A Rocket Boy
Scottish studio Build a Rocket Boy has reportedly conducted another round of layoffs, impacting staff including principal talent acquisition partner Dan Hawkins. This follows previous redundancies after the poorly received launch of their game, MindsEye, and the conclusion of a publishing agreement with IOI Partners.
Studio behind one of the worst rated games of the generation set to close
Build A Rocket Boy, the studio behind the poorly received game Mindseye, is reportedly closing down permanently. The developer, founded by former Rockstar Games president Leslie Benzies, has faced multiple rounds of layoffs and legal action from employees. Sources indicate the studio had around 100 employees remaining.
Fable Being “Vital To The DNA” Of Xbox Helped Shield The Game From Hardship, Director Says
Fable game director Ralph Fulton stated that the franchise's close association with Xbox has protected the upcoming reboot during its long development. He believes Fable is vital to Xbox's identity and important to gaming as a whole. This protection contrasts with other Xbox projects that faced cancellations and layoffs, including the Perfect Dark reboot and studio closures.
MindsEye Developers Say They've Been Laid Off Amid Questions Over Build a Rocket Boy's Future
Multiple developers have reportedly been laid off from MindsEye, a game that has faced significant controversy. These layoffs cast further doubt on the future of its developer, Build A Rocket Boy.
Xbox Game Pass is "extremely poorly managed" and Doom should never have been part of it, says former producer
Former id Software producer Andrew Willis describes Xbox Game Pass as "extremely poorly managed" with a lack of foresight and understanding of the consumer market. He argues that Doom should not have been included on the service, suggesting its inclusion negatively impacted sales and contributed to id Software's layoffs. Willis believes Microsoft struggles to define and measure the success of Game Pass, leading to flawed business decisions.
Laying off the people making The Elder Scrolls 6 while desperately trying to get The Elder Scrolls 6 finished "doesn't make any sense," says former Bethesda dev
Former Bethesda lore expert Kurt Kuhlmann criticizes Xbox owner Microsoft's decision to lay off veteran developers working on The Elder Scrolls 6, stating it makes no business sense. The layoffs, which impacted experienced creators rather than management, follow reports of pressure to speed up production for The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout.
MMO Business Roundup: IGN layoffs, PlayStation boycott bellyflops, and AI protection pushback
This industry roundup covers Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's comments on AI guardrails, a failed PlayStation boycott that had no significant impact on player counts according to analyst Mat Piscatella, and recent layoffs at IGN affecting multiple departments. The IGN Creators Guild expressed disappointment over the job cuts.
Fable Developer Explains Why Xbox 'Protected' the Project Over Its Long Development Cycle, Amid Layoffs and Studio Closures Elsewhere
Playground Games, the developer of the upcoming Fable RPG, has explained how the project was protected during its decade-long development cycle, especially in light of recent layoffs and studio closures within Xbox. The studio highlighted the importance of this protection for the game's long-term survival.
Elder Scrolls lore master and 20-year Bethesda veteran Kurt Kuhlmann can't find a job after being laid off months…
Veteran Bethesda developer Kurt Kuhlmann, known for his work on The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, has been laid off from Lightspeed LA. Kuhlmann, who spent two decades at Bethesda Game Studios, is now seeking new employment, highlighting the current instability in the game development industry. The article notes ongoing layoffs at companies like Microsoft and Xbox, emphasizing that even experienced professionals are not immune to industry downturns.
