Rocket Boy Studio Begins Layoffs After Disastrous Game Launch
▼ Summary
– Build A Rocket Boy has confirmed redundancies are being considered, though the exact number of affected staff remains unclear.
– The studio is initiating a formal consultation process, aiming to reassign roles where possible but acknowledging potential job losses.
– MindsEye’s troubled launch, marked by performance issues and low player counts, has raised concerns about the studio’s ability to meet post-launch content promises.
– The game’s poor reception led to refunds and canceled streams, with Steam data showing a sharp decline in concurrent players shortly after launch.
– Co-CEO Mark Gerhard claims external efforts to damage the game’s reputation, though this has been disputed by industry figures.
Build A Rocket Boy has initiated layoffs following the troubled launch of its highly anticipated game, MindsEye. The studio confirmed the restructuring process, though it did not disclose the exact number of employees affected. Sources suggest the cuts could impact over 100 staff members, with the formal consultation period now underway.
In an official statement, the company acknowledged the difficult decision, emphasizing efforts to reassign roles where possible. The studio remains committed to supporting MindsEye with updates and optimizations, despite the challenges faced since its release. The game’s performance issues, including bugs and AI glitches, led to widespread criticism and refund requests, even from typically strict platforms like Sony.
Steam data reveals a sharp decline in player engagement, with peak concurrent users dropping from 3,302 at launch to just 130 within days. Currently, the game holds a “mostly negative” rating on the platform. The rocky reception has raised concerns about Build A Rocket Boy’s ability to deliver promised post-launch content, including a multiplayer mode.
Originally conceived as part of Everywhere, a creative platform likened to an adult-oriented Roblox, MindsEye became the studio’s primary focus. However, its underwhelming performance has forced the Edinburgh-based developer to reassess its strategy. Co-CEO Mark Gerhard reassured employees of the studio’s dedication to the game while signaling a transition from intensive development to long-term sustainability.
Gerhard previously courted controversy by alleging a coordinated campaign to sabotage MindsEye’s reputation, a claim swiftly denied by industry peers. With layoffs now underway, the studio faces mounting pressure to stabilize its operations and regain player trust. Employees await further clarity on their futures as the consultation process unfolds over the coming weeks.
(Source: IGN)
