Build A Rocket Boy Faces Closure Amid Layoffs and Criticism
Build A Rocket Boy, developer of the poorly received game MindsEye, is reportedly on the verge of shutting down. Multiple rounds of significant layoffs have occurred, impacting hundreds of employees. The studio faces allegations of mismanagement, surveillance, and a contentious relationship with its former publisher.
Coverage across 23 outlets
Build a Rocket Boy reportedly hit with more layoffs
Developer Build a Rocket Boy, also known as MindsEye, has reportedly undergone its third round of layoffs in the past year, with approximately 80 employees remaining out of a previous total of 250. CEO Mark Gerhard previously stated that further reductions were necessary for the company's long-term future. The studio is currently undergoing a 'reset' for its game, MindsEye, following negative reception at launch due to bugs and performance issues.
More Layoffs Reportedly Hit MindsEye Developer Build a Rocket Boy
Developer MindsEye, known for the upcoming game Build a Rocket Boy, has reportedly experienced further layoffs. This news follows the recent release of the game's 'Blacklisted' update.
MindsEye Studio Hit With New Round of Layoffs, Reportedly Affecting Around 170 Workers
Build A Rocket Boy, the studio behind MindsEye, has reportedly laid off around 170 employees, reducing its workforce to approximately 80. This follows a previous round of layoffs in March, which CEO Mark Gerhard attributed to espionage and sabotage. Several former employees have spoken out about the redundancies and alleged spying software used by the company.
Business and Finance
MindsEye, the studio behind the game rated as the worst for 2025, has been affected by new mass layoffs. Separately, Wizards of the Coast and its parent company Hasbro missed a deadline to voluntarily recognize a workers' union.
MindsEye developer Build a Rocket Boy lays off even more people
Developer Build a Rocket Boy has conducted another round of layoffs, reportedly affecting up to 170 employees, following the poor reception of its MindsEye DLC, Blacklisted. This follows previous reductions that aimed to shrink the studio from over 800 employees to around 100. The game's concurrent player count on Steam has also fallen to a low of 11.
MindsEye Dev Reportedly Laid Off 170 Of 250 Employees
Build A Rocket Boy, the developer of MindsEye, has reportedly laid off approximately 170 of its 250 employees. This follows the game's poor reception last year and previous rounds of layoffs. The company has also faced accusations of installing surveillance software and issues with crunch time.
Build a Rocket Boy CEO responds to end of publishing agreement with IOI Partners
Build a Rocket Boy CEO Mark Gerhard has addressed the end of the developer's publishing agreement with IOI Partners, stating the company now controls its own destiny as an independent studio. Gerhard also discussed allegations of corporate sabotage surrounding the launch of their game MindsEye, claiming they have evidence being investigated by UK and US authorities. The company also confirmed ongoing layoffs.
IOI Partners no longer wants anything to do with MindsEye
The Danish company has ended its publishing agreement with the developer Build A Rocket Boy, which is associated with MindsEye. This marks a conclusion to their partnership.
MindsEye Studio Claims Corporate Sabotage Behind Game’s Failed Launch
Build A Rocket Boy, the studio behind the game MindsEye, has announced layoffs and is pursuing legal action, alleging organized espionage and corporate sabotage contributed to the game's difficult launch. The studio claims to have evidence of these coordinated attacks, which they believe actively worked to make the game fail. This public legal action sets a precedent in the industry, raising questions about the prevalence of such tactics and their impact on game development and employment.
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.
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.
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.