Build A Rocket Boy has initiated layoffs following MindsEye's troubled launch, with potential job cuts exceeding 100 employees according to studio sources speaking to IGN.

An anonymous employee revealed to IGN that while exact numbers remain unclear, the mandatory 45-day consultation period begins today (June 23). UK employment law requires this when companies propose 100+ redundancies within 90 days. Currently, Build A Rocket Boy employs approximately 300 UK staff and 200 internationally.

IGN has reached out to Build A Rocket Boy for official comment.

Studio Faces Critical Challenges

Employees now face uncertainty about their futures while questions loom regarding the studio's ability to deliver promised post-launch content, including multiplayer features, on schedule.

The announcement follows last week's acknowledgment from Build A Rocket Boy expressing disappointment over MindsEye's technical issues. The developer committed to releasing patches addressing performance problems, glitches, and AI behavior - with updates already underway.

The disastrous launch prompted canceled sponsored streams and unprecedented refund approvals, even from typically strict Sony.

Disappointing Player Engagement

While Steam data represents only part of MindsEye's player base, the platform recorded:

• Launch peak concurrent players: 3,302
• 24-hour peak: Just 130 players
• Current players at time of writing: 52

The game maintains a "Mostly Negative" Steam review rating.

Project Background & Executive Response

Originally part of the Everywhere platform (dubbed 'Roblox for adults'), MindsEye became Edinburgh-based Build A Rocket Boy's primary focus under former GTA design head Leslie Benzies. Despite this shift, the narrative-driven adventure has underperformed commercially.

In staff communications obtained by IGN, co-CEO Mark Gerhard reaffirmed commitment to MindsEye while acknowledging the studio's transition from development to sustainable post-launch operations.

Gerhard previously made headlines alleging coordinated efforts to damage MindsEye's reputation, claiming individuals were incentivized to post negative reviews - accusations swiftly denied by IO Interactive's leadership.