Key Takeaways
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- Workers at Build A Rocket Boy studio have raised concerns about alleged disrespectful treatment, communication breakdowns, and mishandling during layoffs following the launch of their game, MindsEye.
- The workers union, the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB), is demanding a public apology from executives, fair compensation for dismissed workers, official recognition of the union, and greater transparency in future layoffs.
- The IWGB is currently pursuing legal action against Build A Rocket Boy regarding improper dismissal procedures.
- The studio has acknowledged the post-launch terminations and expressed regret, pledging to learn from feedback and enhance internal processes. Current and former employees continue to advocate for their rights through the unions open letter and legal claims against the studios executives.
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Workers Union Demands Apology, Fair Compensation, and Recognition Over Alleged Mishandling at Build A Rocket Boy
Nearly 100 workers from Build A Rocket Boy studio have penned an open letter against the company’s management. In the letter, employees allege disrespectful treatment, communication breakdowns, and confusion surrounding recent layoffs that followed the launch of their game, MindsEye. Prior to MindsEye’s release, staff were subjected to weekly mandatory overtime. They were promised compensatory leave, but these pledges went unfulfilled due to a constant stream of high-priority tasks. During the dismissal process, many employees reported receiving notices with incorrect deadlines and facing a disorganized process that made appeals difficult. Tensions escalated after MindsEye’s release on June 10, 2025. The game launched with technical issues and failed to satisfy fans, a situation management reportedly used as an excuse for subsequent staff reductions. The open letter calls for a public apology from executives, fair compensation for dismissed workers, and official recognition of their union, the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB). It also demands greater transparency in future layoffs, particularly concerning the involvement of external firms. The IWGB is currently pursuing legal action against Build A Rocket Boy regarding improper dismissal procedures.
Union and Studio Address Post-Launch Terminations, Push for Internal Improvements and Employee Rights
In response, the studio acknowledged the post-launch terminations and expressed regret over the impact on its team, pledging to learn from feedback and enhance internal processes. Current and former employees continue to advocate for their rights through the union’s open letter and legal claims against the studio’s executives.
In Case You Missed It
In light of the recent turmoil at Build A Rocket Boy, we highly recommend checking out Jonathan Dubinski’s in-depth article titled “Build A Rocket Boy Employees Release Open Letter and Take Legal Action Against Studio,” published on October 10, 2025. The piece delves into the critical issues faced by the studio’s workforce, including lawsuits over abusive working conditions and poor management practices following the failure of Mindseye. For a detailed look at this developing story and its implications for the gaming industry, head over to Build A Rocket Boy Employees Release Open Letter and Take Legal Action Against Studio to learn more. For those interested in the latest developments at IO Interactive and their future plans as a publisher, be sure to check out “IO Interactive Reevaluates Role as Publisher Following Mindseye Fiasco” by Jonathan Dubinski (September 4, 2025). The piece delves into CEO Hakan Abrak’s reflections on the disappointing launch of Mindseye and hints at potential changes in IO Interactive’s publishing strategy moving forward. IO Interactive Reevaluates Role as Publisher Following Mindseye Fiasco to stay updated on the company’s future direction and upcoming projects like 007 First Light. For all you fans of the iconic game series, we’ve got some intriguing insights into the future of “Bully.” Jonathan Dubinski’s recent post, “Bully 2 Isn’t Dead,” published on September 29, 2025, delves into Dan Houser’s explanation for why Bully 2 hasn’t seen the light of day yet. While Rockstar Games faces bandwidth issues due to a smaller creative team, there are hints that the project is far from being shelved permanently. To learn more about the prospects of this beloved sequel and what it might take for it to return, be sure to check out Bully 2 Isn’t Dead.