In a troubling turn for Build a Rocket Boy (BARB), the developer behind the action-thriller MindsEye, reports indicate that the studio is facing another significant round of layoffs. Sources suggest that these cuts may be particularly severe, with indications that all remaining employees could soon be let go.
Challenges Following MindsEye’s Release
Since the release of MindsEye in 2025, which was met with a mix of poor reviews and unexpected entertainment value, BARB has struggled to regain its footing. The studio’s narrative of being a victim of sabotage has only added to the complexity of its situation. This insistence on external blame has reportedly strained relations with the original publisher, IO Interactive, which has distanced itself from the project.
Despite ongoing updates, including a controversial expansion that promised to reveal “evidence of the sabotage,” the studio has faced multiple rounds of layoffs. Employees have voiced concerns regarding mismanagement and allegations of unauthorized surveillance, further complicating the studio’s internal dynamics.
Dan Hawkins, a principal talent acquisition partner at BARB, expressed his sentiments on LinkedIn, stating, “With a very heavy heart I raise my green banner, along with the rest of my colleagues at Build a Rocket Boy. I am ‘Open to Work’ actively looking for a new adventure.” His message, which hinted at the impending closure, underscored the gravity of the situation: “Along with everybody else left at BARB, my role is being made redundant.”
Other notable figures within the studio, including Rockstar veteran Stuart Ross, who served as head of audio, have also reported their layoffs. However, the broader implications of these cuts remain unclear as BARB has yet to issue a public statement regarding the reported shutdown.
As the situation unfolds, the future of Build a Rocket Boy hangs in the balance, with many awaiting official confirmation of the studio’s fate.
