Build a Rocket Boy, the studio behind the critical and commercial flop MindsEye, is reducing its staff once more.
The news comes via a statement on LinkedIn from CEO Mark Gerhard, who says an undisclosed number of staff members are being made redundant in the wake of the game’s disastrous launch last year.
Gerhard says it’s a “deeply painful decision” and assures those affected they will be supported as they look for new work.
“To everyone affected – thank you. Your work and creativity helped shape this studio and we will do everything we can to support you in finding your next opportunity. My thoughts today are first and foremost with the people leaving the team. We will also be sharing details of affected team members with communities that actively support developers during transitions, to help connect people with new opportunities.”
While it’s sad to see layoffs continue to proliferate throughout the industry, Gerhard’s statement lays a lot of blame for the studio’s situation, and MindsEye’s unsuccessful launch, on “criminal activity”.
“As leaders we take responsibility for the outcomes of our projects and the decisions that follow. At the same time, the launch period was affected by factors beyond normal operational challenges and a competitive environment,” the statement reads.
It goes on to describe an ongoing investigation with “external partners and legal advisors” to get to the bottom of a targeted conspiracy against MindsEye.
“That work has taken far longer than expected, but it has now resulted in overwhelming evidence of organised espionage and corporate sabotage affecting MindsEye,” Gerhard says. “Because this matter is moving toward prosecution, we cannot share the full details publicly yet.”
The reaction to the statement has been quite negative, with many people unhappy to see the announcement of layoffs paired with the investigation.
MindsEye launched in June 2025 and was met with the lowest review scores of the year. Sony was even approving refunds of the game on PS Store, something it only does in extreme cases.
Even before the game’s launch, Gerhard said there was a “concerted effort” to “trash the game”.
It’s a bit of a mess, isn’t it? We wish all the best to those affected by the layoffs.
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