Can Build A Rocket Boy Revitalize Its Future?
The controversy surrounding the Edinburgh-based studio Build A Rocket Boy (BARB) has intensified following revelations of unauthorized surveillance on its employees. Staff members recently discovered that management had covertly installed the monitoring software Teramind on their workstations. This revelation surfaced after employees noted a decline in system performance affecting crucial game development tools like Maya.
Surveillance Practices Under Scrutiny
Following this discovery, BARB management admitted to the software installation, prompting an updated IT privacy policy for staff to sign. Patrick Rennie, a partner at the law firm Wiggin, emphasized that employers are allowed to monitor staff but must ensure compliance with data protection laws, which mandate that monitoring be reasonable and transparent.
MindsEye’s Troubling Launch
MindsEye, the studio’s flagship game, launched in June 2025 to overwhelmingly negative reviews, recording a Metacritic score of just 37 on PC. During an all-hands meeting in late January, co-CEO Mark Gerhard described Teramind as “enhanced cybersecurity software.” He expressed the importance of monitoring in a workplace he described as potentially harboring “saboteurs.”
Legal Allegations and Response
- Gerhard claimed that a large American company allegedly spent over €1 million to undermine BARB.
- He stated this included paying influencers and journalists to criticize MindsEye.
- Ritual Network, implicated in these claims, issued a strong denial, asserting no involvement.
Amid these controversies, Gerhard communicated to staff that co-CEO Leslie Benzies was on a planned break after intense work. A major patch for MindsEye was released on February 4, indicated as a new phase in the game’s development.
Staff Morale and Company Culture
The atmosphere within BARB has been described as one of “toxic positivity,” where management’s optimism clashed with staff struggles. As the game’s launch approached, employees faced burnout and expressed doubts regarding MindsEye’s readiness. Critics within the studio have pointed to Benzies’ leadership style as a factor in its failures. Reports indicate that he often insisted on implementing new features too close to deadlines, disrupting the development process.
Looking Toward the Future
As BARB navigates its current challenges, urgency surrounds potential recovery strategies for MindsEye. Management aims to follow a path of redemption similar to that of other troubled titles like No Man’s Sky and Cyberpunk 2077. However, former employees remain skeptical about its prospects, suggesting that significant management changes are needed for a successful turnaround.
The Path Ahead for Build A Rocket Boy
Legal actions concerning the redundancy process have been initiated by IWGB Game Workers, who have expressed concerns over how BARB has handled recent layoffs. The path forward remains uncertain, with much depending on management’s ability to implement meaningful changes and restore staff morale.
Build A Rocket Boy’s leadership has expressed optimism about upcoming updates, thanking players for their continued support while acknowledging ongoing issues. However, former staff members continue to voice doubts about the studio’s direction and future viability.
