The studio behind MindsEye is facing another wave of layoffs, raising fresh questions about the future of the company following the game’s troubled launch in 2025.
Build a Rocket Boy has reportedly dismissed more employees in what appears to be its third major round of cuts since the release of MindsEye. Among those affected are reportedly the studio’s head of audio, a level designer, a launch manager and several other employees.
According to reports shared by IGN, the latest layoffs add to a difficult period for the studio.
MindsEye launched on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC in 2025 to widespread criticism over technical problems, including bugs, glitches and poor performance. Around 300 employees were reportedly laid off shortly after the game’s release.
Another round of cuts followed in March 2026, with hundreds more employees reportedly affected.
The situation has now become even more uncertain following claims from sources close to the company. Speaking to Kotaku, those sources reportedly said Build a Rocket Boy could be preparing to shut down completely.
However, the studio has not officially confirmed that it is closing, nor has it publicly provided a statement regarding the latest layoffs.
MindsEye Failed to Deliver on Its Ambitious Promise
MindsEye was positioned as an ambitious project from Leslie Benzies, the former Rockstar developer best known for his work on the Grand Theft Auto series.
The game was promoted as an experience that could capture some of the appeal of GTA while also serving as a broader platform for different types of player experiences. The final release struggled to meet those expectations.
Players encountered a range of technical issues, from bugs and visual glitches to inconsistent frame rates and performance problems. The game’s reception quickly turned negative, putting significant pressure on Build a Rocket Boy soon after launch.
The studio later faced additional controversy when CEO Mark Gerhard accused the wider industry of what he described as “organised espionage and corporate sabotage.” Gerhard said at the time that legal action could follow, although it remains unclear whether any lawsuit was ultimately filed.
What Happens to Build a Rocket Boy Now?
The latest layoffs leave the studio’s future increasingly uncertain.
MindsEye has largely disappeared from the spotlight after its difficult launch, despite efforts to address its problems and promises of improvements. For Build a Rocket Boy, the continued workforce reductions suggest the company is still struggling to recover from the game’s commercial and critical problems.
The situation also creates an unusual contrast with Rockstar Games, the studio whose Grand Theft Auto legacy helped shape expectations surrounding MindsEye.
Rockstar has faced its own controversies and development challenges surrounding GTA 6, but the long-awaited sequel is now approaching its planned release.
GTA 6 Prepares to Take the Spotlight
GTA 6 is scheduled to launch on November 19, 2026, with pre-orders already available, according to the supplied information. The game is expected to become one of the biggest releases in the industry’s history, putting even more attention on Rockstar and its open-world formula.
For Build a Rocket Boy, however, the immediate concern is much closer to home. After MindsEye failed to deliver the experience it had promised before launch and multiple rounds of layoffs followed, the studio now faces serious uncertainty about what comes next.
Until Build a Rocket Boy officially addresses the latest reports, the company’s long-term plans remain unclear.
