Following the disastrous launch of the video game MindsEye, more than 90 former and current employees have penned an open letter to the management of developer Build a Rocket Boy. The letter criticizes leadership for their handling of recent layoffs, claiming that between 250 and 300 employees lost their jobs due to poor management choices. Staff expressed frustration over a lack of communication and support during the layoffs, asserting that misinformation led to wrongful dismissals. The employees accused leadership of fostering an environment that disregards employee wellbeing, citing excessive mandatory overtime and detrimental working conditions. They demand a public apology, improved layoff procedures, and compensation for those laid off due to the game's failure.

What are the main issues faced by MindsEye employees after the game launch?

The main issues reported by MindsEye employees include high levels of stress due to mandatory overtime, poor management decisions leading to mass layoffs, lack of support and communication from leadership, and claims of misinformation regarding layoffs resulting in wrongful dismissals.

MindsEye was initially envisioned as a component for the ambitious project Everywhere, which aimed to create a vast, interconnected gaming experience. However, the game’s launch was marked by negative reviews and underwhelming sales, leading to significant staff layoffs and developer disappointment. Build a Rocket Boy has indicated plans for a relaunch of MindsEye, but challenges in management and employee morale continue to loom large. This situation highlights ongoing issues in the video game industry regarding worker treatment and project management, sparking discussions on how companies can better support their employees.