Build A Rocket Boy Shuts Down Following MindsEye Failure
AI-generated image · US National Wire
The studio founded by former GTA producer Leslie Benzies closes its doors amid reports of employee exits and a disastrous game launch.
Build A Rocket Boy (BARB), the developer behind the action-adventure title *MindsEye*, is reportedly shutting down, as Engadget first reported. The closure is signaled by several employees on LinkedIn, including principal talent acquisition partner Dan Hawkins, who indicated that the studio's staff are out of work.
*MindsEye* debuted in June 2025 to widespread criticism. Engadget reports the launch was bug-riddled, leading PlayStation to issue refunds to some players. Following the release, the studio underwent a round of layoffs. Founder and former *Grand Theft Auto* producer Leslie Benzies reportedly attributed the game's struggles to "saboteurs" both inside and outside the organization.
Attempts to salvage the title included a spring expansion and the addition of a soccer mode and multiplayer features this summer, though Engadget notes these efforts failed to reverse the game's fortunes. In March, BARB became the sole publisher of the game after separating from IOI Partners, a division of IO Interactive. This transition was accompanied by further layoffs in March and May.
Beyond production struggles, the studio faced severe internal turmoil. The IWGB Game Workers Union reported that dozens of employees accused management of installing Teramind surveillance software on their devices without knowledge. The union alleged the software was used to record individuals in their homes without consent, exceeding standard productivity monitoring.