The gaming world is abuzz with an unusual controversy surrounding Build a Rocket Boy and its troubled title, MindsEye. Just as the game seemed to fade into obscurity, the studio has organized an all-expenses-paid fan event in Edinburgh, sparking a protest from its own employees. This event, scheduled for July 11, has become a focal point for discontent among workers who have faced significant layoffs in recent months.
The studio, known for its tumultuous year, has invited a select group of community members to participate in an on-site playtest. Build a Rocket Boy is covering flights, accommodations, and even a meet-and-greet with staff. However, this extravagance comes at a time when the studio has laid off over 400 employees in multiple rounds of redundancies. The most recent layoffs occurred in May, leaving many workers disillusioned and frustrated.
The Workers’ Protest and Union Involvement
The protest, organized by affected workers and supported by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) aims to highlight what they see as a misplacement of priorities. The union, currently embroiled in legal action against Rockstar over the 2026 firing of 31 employees, has taken a strong stance against Build a Rocket Boy’s decisions.
In a statement, the IWGB criticized the studio for spending thousands on an unnecessary playtest event while laying off hundreds of staff. They also pointed out that the playtest involves fans taking on testing duties usually performed by professional staff. This move, coupled with recent cuts to the community team and the hiring of a player without a formal interview process, has raised eyebrows and fueled the protest.
The Controversial History of MindsEye
MindsEye launched in summer 2026, was met with widespread criticism, earning a Metacritic score of 37 and being labeled the worst game of the year. The game’s launch was marred by negative previews, early leaks of physical copies, and severe technical issues. The studio’s response to the backlash was to blame organized espionage and corporate sabotage, a narrative that only added to the chaos.
Internal meetings reportedly saw studio founder Leslie Benzies presenting evidence of a coordinated campaign against the studio, further alienating employees. In, 93 current and former employees signed an open letter calling out studio leadership for refusing to listen to the workforce’s concerns. The letter highlighted the layoffs as a result of poor management decisions.
The Fan Event and Its Implications
The fan event, set to take place this Saturday, is Build a Rocket Boy’s attempt to revive interest in MindsEye. However, the timing and nature of the event have drawn criticism. Workers argue that spending money on flights and accommodations for fans while hundreds of employees have lost their jobs is tone-deaf and insensitive.
The IWGB has also raised concerns about the studio’s use of employee monitoring software, Teramind, which was installed without workers’ knowledge. This blatant lack of respect for staff has further fueled the protest. The software has since been removed, but the legal process continues, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
As the protest unfolds, the gaming community watches closely. The event is not just about a fan gathering; it’s a symbol of the broader issues facing Build a Rocket Boy and the gaming industry as a whole. The studio’s ability to navigate this controversy will be crucial in determining its future.
