Recent layoffs at Build a Rocket Boy are said to be an extension of the reductions announced in March

Image credit: Build a Rocket Boy

Update, May 18, 2026: A former staff member from Build a Rocket Boy has addressed recent news about more layoffs in May, explaining these are a continuation of the reductions announced in March. The ex-employee, Kirby Lipardo, part of the IWGB union, shared a statement with GamesIndustry.biz clarifying the situation.

Lipardo stated, "While Build a Rocket Boy has been associated with confusion and job cuts, there is no evidence of new layoffs at this time." He indicated the staff exits are linked to the March announcement, noting that many employees lost access to their accounts on the layoff day. Some, however, continued working but now appear to be concluding their tenure.

He further added, "Although outsiders may find the unfolding situation at BARB intriguing, for the nearly 100 affected, it's a serious matter. During my employment, I observed how management used layoffs, remote work, and intimidation to erode team spirit. Union involvement helped restore a feeling of solidarity, allowing workers to resist management's intense scrutiny."

Lipardo revealed that the union is pursuing a legal challenge concerning past redundancies, alleging failures in collective consultation and unfair practices. A favorable outcome could financially impact BARB significantly. He noted senior management's intense efforts to identify the alleged 'internal saboteurs' of MindsEye, suggesting their focus might be better spent enhancing the game experience.

Original story, May 6, 2026: Build a Rocket Boy has reportedly let go of an unspecified number of employees from its MindsEye team. According to Kotaku, 170 staff members were released, leaving around 80 at the company. The roles affected include those in technical level design, audio, and QA. Some social media team members at BARB confirmed their layoffs via the developer's Discord.

The studio has been contacted by GamesIndustry.biz for clarification on the affected personnel count. This dismissal is the third in a year, along with the shutdown of BARB's French branch in March, which had opened in 2022.

Following the dissolution of BARB's publishing agreement with IOI Partners last month, CEO Mark Gerhard remarked that layoffs weren't over. He attributed the most recent cuts to "organized espionage and corporate sabotage" coinciding with the MindsEye's launch, stating that deliberate efforts were made to undermine the product's reception.

Gerhard expressed that such actions prevented the game from gaining its intended community foothold and undergoing necessary iterations. This necessitated another "brutal and heartbreaking" studio downsizing to ensure BARB's longevity and the continuation of its projects.

In response, BARB has launched a "reset" and new development phase for MindsEye to address initial negative reactions related to bugs and performance concerns. In 2025, approximately 300 UK employees were laid off in July after the game debuted.