Ex-GTA Lead Benzies Alerts MindsEye Staff Amid Layoffs

Build A Rocket Boy, the Edinburgh-based developer behind MindsEye, has sent redundancy notices to its approximately 300 UK employees following the game's problematic launch. Sources reveal similar notices were extended to staff at PlayFusion, acquired by BARB in late 2024, which is developing Ascendant – a fast-paced FPS originally slated for 2024 release.

Restructuring Efforts Underway

The studio initiated formal redundancy procedures last month after MindsEye's troubled debut. The UK-mandated 45-day consultation period began June 23, activated when companies plan 100+ layoffs within 90 days. BARB currently employs roughly 500 staff worldwide, with 300 based in the UK.

BARB acknowledged the restructuring in an official statement, framing it as necessary to "focus on MindsEye updates while securing BARB's long-term vision." The developer responded to player complaints about technical issues post-launch, describing itself as "heartbroken" while rolling out corrective patches.

Launch Fallout Continues

MindsEye's rocky release led to canceled sponsored streams and reports of widespread refunds – including from typically strict platforms like PlayStation. Steam data, while incomplete, shows player counts plummeting from 3,302 concurrent users at launch to just 46 recently, with mostly negative reviews.

Originally conceived as part of Everywhere – Leslie Benzies' ambitious "adult Roblox" project – MindsEye became BARB's primary focus but commercially struggled. The narrative-driven adventure has failed to gain traction despite its pedigree.

Leadership Responds

Studio head Leslie Benzies addressed staff internally on July 2nd, vowing BARB's recovery amid restructuring. Sources describe Benzies attributing struggles to unspecified sabotage attempts – echoing earlier claims by co-CEO Mark Gerhard about coordinated efforts to undermine MindsEye.

BARB continues releasing patches, with its third console update recently deployed (PC version pending). The studio claims to have analyzed "hundreds of hours" of gameplay footage to prioritize fixes. However, concerns persist about BARB's ability to deliver promised content updates, including multiplayer features, amid operational challenges.