MindsEye Developer Build a Rocket Boy Faces Severe Layoffs Amid Ongoing Studio Struggles
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
MindsEye developer Build a Rocket Boy has reportedly cut more staff following the catastrophic launch of its debut game, casting serious doubt on the future of the studio.
Build a Rocket Boy, the studio behind the poorly received action adventure game MindsEye, has reportedly laid off more developers as its future hangs in the balance. Originally envisioned as part of the ambitious creation platform Everywhere led by former Grand Theft Auto design chief Leslie Benzies, the studio shifted focus to MindsEye before the game launched in June 2025 to widespread criticism over technical issues and bugs. Despite leadership blaming external factors and launching several patches alongside a steep Steam discount, player counts dwindled to historic lows and recent comeback attempts failed to gain traction.
Financial disclosures highlight the immense pressure the studio has been under following its heavy spending and massive funding rounds that crossed three hundred million dollars prior to launch. Recent statements showed the company generating minimal revenue against staggering operating costs, resulting in tens of millions in net losses. Following restructuring warnings and subsequent rounds of redundancies, laid-off staff even protested outside the studio offices over controversial playtest events.
The downfall underscores just how difficult it is to replicate the blockbuster formula of legacy franchises, a sentiment recently echoed by industry executives regarding former Rockstar talent attempting to launch independent blockbusters. IGN South Africa originally reported on the escalating situation, leaving the long-term survival of both the studio and its flagship intellectual property entirely uncertain as community skepticism remains high.
Tags: Industry News, PC Gaming, Console Gaming, Game Development
Original article: IGN South Africa