Build a Rocket Boy has announced additional layoffs, amid ongoing allegations of "organized espionage and corporate sabotage"

The game development company Build a Rocket Boy has announced further job cuts, citing challenges within the gaming industry and acts of "corporate sabotage." CEO Mark Gerhard shared a message on LinkedIn, describing the decision to reduce staff as "deeply painful." The statement also detailed how "organized espionage and corporate sabotage" negatively impacted the launch of their game, MindsEye.

Gerhard acknowledged the responsibility leaders hold for project outcomes but pointed out that the game’s launch faced extraordinary difficulties outside of standard operational issues and competitive dynamics. The company, over the last few months, has collaborated with outside partners and legal experts to explore the suspected criminal activities related to their launch. Though this inquiry took longer than anticipated, it unearthed compelling evidence of corporate wrongdoing concerning MindsEye. As the legal process advances, comprehensive details remain undisclosed.

Despite these challenges, the team continues to enhance the game and remain dedicated to their player base. Gerhard expressed immense pride in the developers' commitment and fortitude.

However, due to the challenging launch circumstances, the company has made the difficult decision to downsize again to protect its future and continue developing its projects.

Concluding his remarks, Gerhard thanked the affected employees, recognizing their contributions and creativity. He assured support for those transitioning to new opportunities and mentioned efforts to share information about affected staff with communities that assist game developers in finding new roles.

Reports suggest that approximately 300 developers from Build a Rocket Boy received notices of potential layoffs last June. Following a rocky release marred by bugs, performance problems, and sudden cancellations of sponsored streams, MindsEye did not fare well, receiving poor reviews. This led to staff cutbacks, although the developer continues to improve the game, having introduced a "free starter pack" trial across all platforms in November.

Recently, Build a Rocket Boy embarked on a renewed phase of development for MindsEye, marking a major marketing initiative since the June launch. Meanwhile, controversy surrounds the studio’s founder, Leslie Benzies, who was recently mentioned in documents from the US Justice Department as part of the Epstein files. An anonymous email, attributed to someone claiming to be a victim of Jeffrey Epstein, accused Benzies of sexual assault, accusations he has denied.