MindsEye: layoffs and challenges in the game industry
Intelligence Summary
- A detailed look at the recent layoffs at Build A Rocket Boy, the developer of MindsEye, and the challenges it faces.
MindsEye: layoffs and a turbulent history
The development of MindsEye, a game from developer Build A Rocket Boy, has drawn a lot of attention in recent months, especially because of repeated layoffs and the poor reception to its release. These events tell an intriguing story in the game industry, highlighting different sides of business operations and creativity.
Background on MindsEye
Build A Rocket Boy, founded in 2016 by Leslie Benzies, generated plenty of hype ahead of MindsEye’s launch in June 2025. Psychological drama and ambitious promises made it one of the most anticipated titles of 2025. Even so, the final reception fell short, and MindsEye became one of the worst-reviewed games of the year, raising concerns about the future of the development team.
Layoffs at the studio
In May 2026, a major shake-up took place at Build A Rocket Boy. On May 5, it was reported that the company had laid off around 170 of its 250 employees, reducing the workforce to roughly 80 staff members. This was the third round of layoffs within a year and came amid the ongoing problems surrounding the game. Many former employees confirmed their departures via LinkedIn and Discord, increasing the visibility of the situation.
Timeline
June 2025: MindsEye launches to extremely negative reviews.
July 2025: Build A Rocket Boy’s first round of layoffs follows the launch.
May 2026: Reports reveal that around 170 more employees have been laid off, further hurting the studio’s operational capacity.
Reactions and fallout
The recent layoffs have sparked frustration both inside and outside the team. Employees have written open letters criticizing the company culture, including long hours, a lack of transparency, and a tense work environment. This has led to legal action from the IWGB Game Workers Union, which claims the company violated employee privacy.
Mark Gerhard, co-CEO of Build A Rocket Boy, publicly speculated about outside forces sabotaging MindsEye, raising questions about the company’s corporate governance and strategy. This prompted heated debate within the gaming community and criticism of the studio’s management style.
The future of MindsEye
Despite the setbacks, Build A Rocket Boy has announced plans to address the issues in MindsEye. The latest update, the "Blacklisted" update, introduces a new mission that the development team hopes will help improve its relationship with the player community. This comes at a time when the game’s active player base on Steam has dropped to just a few dozen.
The road ahead looks difficult for Build A Rocket Boy, as the team now has to continue pursuing its vision for MindsEye with a significantly reduced staff. The studio will need to work on both rebuilding its reputation and improving its product.
Conclusion
MindsEye’s development and the events surrounding it offer a sharp look at the complexity of the game industry. With Build A Rocket Boy’s reputation on the line, and as a clear example of the challenges faced by workers in a competitive sector, many questions remain unanswered about the studio’s future and stability.
