Build a Rocket Boy Co-CEO Blames ‘Internal and External Saboteurs’ for MindsEye’s Failure

Initially, one of Build a Rocket Boy’s co-CEOs and CTOs suggested that the early negative media reviews for MindsEye were actually orchestrated by individuals hostile to the studio. Now, the other co-CEO, Leslie Benzies, offers a new explanation for the game’s significant failure: he attributes it to sabotage from both inside and outside the company. According to an IGN report, Benzies addressed his studio team on July 2. This marked his first communication with them since MindsEye’s release. He informed them that the game’s difficulties stemmed from the actions of saboteurs, both internal and external to the company. Thus, as the studio head embarks on a quest to uncover an internal conspiracy targeting his efforts, 300 employees received emails indicating potential job losses. Even employees from PlayFusion, a company acquired by Build a Rocket Boy, received similar notifications. Recently, the studio issued a statement expressing profound disappointment with the overwhelmingly negative feedback from players who had engaged with MindsEye. Concurrently, Build a Rocket Boy pledged its unwavering commitment to delivering a quality experience to all players.

As the fallout from MindsEye continues to impact Build a Rocket Boy, Sophie Laurent’s recent piece on Player’s for Life provides critical insights into the studio’s restructuring efforts. Published on June 24, the article delves into the announced layoffs affecting approximately 100 employees out of over 500, amidst the company’s struggle to recover from MindsEye’s disastrous launch. Despite these challenges, Build a Rocket Boy remains committed to its vision for Everywhere, their scalable gaming platform aiming to redefine user-generated content engagement. Meanwhile, as the gaming community continues to grapple with the aftermath of MindsEye’s release, Marcus Thompson provides an in-depth look at the potential repercussions for Build a Rocket Boy’s workforce. Published on July 3, 2025, his article “MindsEye Producer May Lay Off Up To 300 Employees” delves into the uncertain future facing employees amidst reports of significant layoffs. With internal communications hinting at both external and internal challenges affecting MindsEye’s performance, this piece offers a sobering perspective on the studio’s current situation. For those looking ahead to the next big reveal in gaming, be sure to check out “Halo Studios to Reveal Series’ Future” by Jonathan Dubinski (June 30, 2025). The post discusses Halo Studios’ upcoming event on October 24, 2021, where they will unveil new details about the future of the iconic Halo series. With recent changes and the adoption of Unreal Engine 5, fans are eager for official updates as the franchise approaches its 25th anniversary in 2026. For more details on how this major shift will affect the studio’s future and to learn more about what’s coming next, be sure to check out Build a Rocket Boy Confirms Layoffs Following MindsEye Disaster and MindsEye Producer May Lay Off Up To 300 Employees and Jonathan Dubinski (Halo Studios to Reveal Series’ Future).