MindsEye Developer Build A Rocket Boy Sheds Over Two-Thirds of Staff Following Disappointing Launch

A Sudden Downsizing at Build A Rocket Boy

In a shocking turn of events, Build A Rocket Boy, the studio behind the much-anticipated action title MindsEye, has reportedly laid off approximately 170 of its 250 employees. The news, first reported by Kotaku, has sent ripples through the gaming community, especially given the studio's pedigree and the high expectations surrounding its debut project.

The mass layoff leaves the Edinburgh-based developer with just 80 staff members — a drastic reduction that raises questions about the company's future. Affected employees have taken to LinkedIn and Discord to share their experiences, with many expressing shock and disappointment over the sudden change in fortunes.

The Rise of Build A Rocket Boy

Founded in 2016 by former Rockstar Games executive Leslie Benzies, Build A Rocket Boy quickly gained attention due to Benzies' storied history in the Grand Theft Auto franchise. The studio promised a new kind of narrative-driven experience, and MindsEye was positioned as its flagship title. Read more about the game's reception below.

The Fallout: MindsEye and Its Critical Failure

Released in 2025, MindsEye was supposed to be a showcase for the studio's innovative vision. Instead, it became one of the worst-reviewed games of the year. Critics pointed to a disjointed narrative, technical issues, and a lackluster gameplay loop as key problems. The poor reception was a far cry from the hype generated by Benzies' involvement, and the negative buzz likely contributed to the disappointing sales and eventual layoffs.

In a bizarre twist, co-CEO Mark Gerhard publicly suggested that the game's failure was due to a concerted effort to trash the game and corporate espionage. This claim has been met with skepticism, as most industry observers attribute the outcome to the game's own flaws rather than external sabotage.

Internal Anchor: Understanding the Impact

To grasp the full significance of these layoffs, one must consider the human toll on the workers. Losing nearly 70% of a studio's workforce in a single round is unprecedented, even in an industry known for cyclical downsizing.

• Affected roles span design, engineering, art, and production departments.
• Many employees had relocated to Edinburgh specifically for this project.
• The remaining staff face an uncertain future, with questions about ongoing projects and financial stability.

This event also highlights the fragility of studio life, where a single game's reception can determine hundreds of careers.

What Went Wrong? An Analysis

While the official narrative may blame outside forces, the evidence points to internal missteps. MindsEye suffered from an extended development period and a lack of clear direction. Benzies' reputation alone could not compensate for the game's shortcomings. The layoffs serve as a cautionary tale about the risks of over-reliance on a single high-profile title.

1. Overpromising and underdelivering: Marketing built expectations that the final product couldn't meet.
2. Poor critical reception: Metacritic scores and user reviews were overwhelmingly negative.
3. Leadership disconnect: Co-CEO Gerhard's conspiracy theories further damaged the studio's credibility.

For more context, jump to the conclusion.

The Road Ahead for Build A Rocket Boy

With only 80 staff left, the company may pivot to smaller projects or seek acquisition. However, the damage to its reputation may make it difficult to attract talent or investors. The layoffs at Build A Rocket Boy underscore a harsh reality: even studios with legendary founders are not immune to market forces.

As the industry digests this news, the fired employees will seek new opportunities, and the remaining team will face the uphill battle of rebuilding trust. For MindsEye, the game will be remembered not as a breakthrough, but as a costly misstep.