Build A Rocket Boy Faces Further Layoffs Amid Sabotage Claims
Build A Rocket Boy has conducted multiple rounds of layoffs, significantly reducing its workforce. The studio's CEO attributes these cuts to corporate sabotage and espionage. This follows a troubled launch for their game, MindsEye, and the termination of a publishing deal.
Coverage across 15 outlets
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.
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.
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.
"A kick in the teeth for the fired workers": Unionised former MindsEye devs protest alleged fan playtest at Build A Rocket Boy
The IWGB union, representing former employees of Build a Rocket Boy (BARB), protested outside the studio's offices. They accuse BARB of hosting an expenses-paid fan playtest event for their game, MindsEye, shortly after mass layoffs, calling it a "kick in the teeth" to the former workers. The union also alleges BARB management installed surveillance software on employee PCs to identify "saboteurs."
What's going on at Build A Rocket Boy? Layoffs, legal action, and more
Build A Rocket Boy, the studio behind MindsEye, has conducted a third round of layoffs, reducing its staff to 80 employees. This follows previous rounds of redundancies and ongoing legal action from employees and the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain over alleged mistreatment and the installation of surveillance software without consent. The studio's leadership has attributed the game's poor performance and studio issues to corporate sabotage, a claim that led to the termination of their partnership with publisher IO Interactive.
MindsEye developer Build a Rocket Boy has reportedly laid off even more staff
Build a Rocket Boy, the developer behind the upcoming game MindsEye, has reportedly laid off approximately 170 employees. This follows previous reports of staff reductions at the company.
MindsEye Developer Hit With Another Round of Layoffs
Build A Rocket Boy, the developer of MindsEye, has undergone another round of significant layoffs, impacting approximately 170 employees. This follows the termination of IO Interactive's publishing collaboration, with Build A Rocket Boy now handling publishing in-house. The game has also faced poor critical and player reception, with its co-CEO alleging a smear campaign against the title.
MindsEye Developer Build a Rocket Boy Hit by Yet More Layoffs
MindsEye developer Build a Rocket Boy has undergone another round of layoffs, reducing its staff to approximately 80 employees. This marks the third significant staff reduction in the past year, following a troubled launch for their game, MindsEye. CEO Mark Gerhard attributed the cuts to 'corporate sabotage,' while the studio also faces a lawsuit alleging unauthorized surveillance.
MindsEye studio Build A Rocket Boy reportedly lays off around 170 more employees following story campaign update inspired by alleged sabotage
MindsEye, the studio behind Build A Rocket Boy, has reportedly laid off approximately 170 more employees, reducing its staff to around 80. This follows previous layoffs and the exit of publisher IOI Partners. CEO Mark Gerhard has cited external sabotage attempts, a narrative reflected in the recent 'Blacklisted' content update, though former employees dispute the sabotage claims.
MindsEye studio Build a Rocket Boy reportedly lay off around two thirds of 250 remaining staff following release of sabotage mission
Build a Rocket Boy (BARB), also known as MindsEye, has reportedly laid off approximately 170 of its 250 remaining staff. This follows the recent release of an in-game mission called Blacklisted, which alludes to alleged corporate sabotage. CEO Mark Gerhard previously stated the studio had evidence of espionage and that the layoffs were necessary for the company's long-term future.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.