Build A Rocket Boy has initiated redundancy procedures following MindsEye's troubled launch, with potential layoffs exceeding 100 employees according to studio sources speaking to IGN.
An anonymous source revealed to IGN that while exact numbers remain unclear, the UK-mandated 45-day consultation period begins today (June 23) - a legal requirement triggered when proposing over 100 redundancies within 90 days. The Edinburgh-based studio reportedly employs approximately 300 UK staff and 200 internationally.
IGN has reached out to Build A Rocket Boy for official comment.
Employees now await confirmation about their employment status while concerns grow regarding the studio's ability to deliver promised post-launch content, including its highly anticipated multiplayer mode.
Last week's statement from Build A Rocket Boy expressed deep regret regarding MindsEye's technical issues, committing to ongoing patches addressing performance problems, bugs, and AI behavior concerns. These updates have already begun rolling out.
The disastrous launch prompted canceled marketing initiatives and unprecedented refund approvals - notably from PlayStation, which typically maintains strict refund policies.
Steam metrics (representing only partial data) show MindsEye peaked at 3,302 concurrent players at launch before plummeting to a 24-hour peak of 130. Current live player count stands at 52, accompanied by a "Mostly Negative" user rating.
Originally conceived as part of Everywhere - Leslie Benzies' ambitious "Roblox for adults" platform - MindsEye became Build A Rocket Boy's flagship narrative-driven adventure. Despite this focus, the title has failed to meet commercial expectations.
In an internal email obtained by IGN, co-CEO Mark Gerhard reaffirmed commitment to MindsEye while outlining the studio's transition from intensive development to sustainable live operations.
Gerhard previously courted controversy by alleging organized efforts to "trash the game and studio," suggesting paid detractors and bot campaigns - claims later denied by IO Interactive's leadership.
