Build a Rocket Boy and IO Interactive Call It Quits on MindsEye Publishing Deal
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Build a Rocket Boy and IO Interactive have ended their publishing partnership for MindsEye, resulting in the complete cancellation of the planned Hitman crossover event.
The rocky road for MindsEye just hit another major roadblock. Developer Build a Rocket Boy and publishing partner IO Interactive have officially announced they are parting ways, ending a publishing arrangement that began with high hopes. According to a joint statement reported by Rock Paper Shotgun, Build a Rocket Boy will now take over sole publishing responsibilities for the action title to ensure continuity for the player base. Unfortunately, this split also means the much-anticipated Hitman crossover event, which was first teased back in June 2025, has been completely cancelled after lingering in development limbo.
This separation brings a swift conclusion to what was the very first external publishing partnership for IO Interactive's publishing arm. Since its launch, MindsEye has struggled immensely, facing harsh reviews for technical issues alongside severe controversy behind the scenes. Studio leadership has weathered multiple waves of layoffs affecting roughly 300 employees, paired with public reports from former staff detailing heavy crunch, micromanagement, and internal friction. Compounding these studio troubles were bizarre allegations from executives regarding corporate sabotage, adding to a turbulent chapter for the team.
For the community, the cancellation of the Hitman mission marks a disappointing end to a crossover that generated plenty of early buzz. While Build a Rocket Boy has indicated plans to explore other partnerships down the line, the immediate focus remains on steering the base game through its ongoing difficulties. As the studio attempts to rebuild trust and stabilize the project independently, players are left wondering what the future holds for a title that has faced an uphill battle since day one.
Tags: MindsEye, Build a Rocket Boy, IO Interactive, Industry News, PC Gaming
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun